Love for the sin-blackened, the corruption-smeared, the soul-darkened people of this world. Love so great, so wondrous that it would keep Jesus on a cross until he proclaimed, "It is finished," and he gave up his spirit in exchange for death. Wondrous love. Jesus had options - we do not, but Jesus did. We needed a sacrifice for our sins. We needed a sacrifice that was flawless, perfect. We needed a sacrifice of such dimensions and quality that there was but one - Jesus.
We had no options - it was Jesus or eternal death. Jesus had options. Leave the cross alive with power flashing. Leave this world to its own devices. Leave these people to their just and deserved punishment. Jesus had options, but he chose not to exercise them.
Jesus stayed on the cross, held there by love. Love for us. And, as he hung there - as he endured the shame and agony - as he finally gave up his precious, perfect life, he accomplished that which we so desperately needed.
Forgiveness and cleansing, salvation and an eternal dwelling place. A spear pierced His side, and a crown of thorns was pushed around His head. Yet, He was never provoked. Love rejoiceth not in iniquity. Our fleshy natures find pleasure in sin. However, the holy, sinless, Jesus hated sin.
Love rejoiceth in truth. Jesus was truth and died for truth. Through His truth the lies of Satan that brings eternal death brings eternal life to all who will believe.
Love believeth all things. What did Jesus believe? He believed that His work on the cross and His subsequent resurrection would accomplish what it was ordained to do: save sinners from the bondage of sin and ultimate perfection in Heaven. Love hopeth all things. Hope means to look forward to something with a feeling of expectation and confidence. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
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Jesus, on Calvary you embody all of us, every man and woman, of the past, present and future. On the cross you taught us to love. Now we begin to understand the secret of that perfect joy of which you spoke to the disciples at the Last Supper.
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