Christian Reflection and Prayer

Read Matthew 27:27-31, 37.

TEXT: And over His head they put the charge against
Him, which read, "This is Jesus, the King of the Jews"
(Matthew 27:37).

Finally, the crucifixion detail reaches Golgotha: the
place of execution. Jesus is nailed to the cross. The
Roman governor has ordered a placard placed above
His head. It proclaims the name and hometown of the
condemned, notifying all passersby of the crime for
which He is being executed.

It reads, "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews."

It recalls the savage treatment He already received at
the hands of the Romans. First, He was brutally flogged-
a whipping that often brought a man to the brink of death.
Then the soldiers mocked the King of the Jews, crowning
His brow with thorns, draping a robe over His torn and
bloody shoulders, placing a reed in His hand as a scepter,
kneeling before Him, spitting on Him and, finally,
snatching the reed from His hand and beating Him over
the head with it.

The Romans had absolutely no pity or mercy toward their
prisoners, and Jesus was certainly no exception. But
again that is what each of us deserves. We have all
disobeyed God's laws and brought harm on our neighbors.
Each of us ought to be punished mercilessly for the things
we have done and the good we have left undone. But Jesus
takes our place.

It is you and I who should be bound hand and foot;
instead, Jesus' hands and feet are nailed to the cross. We
should be cast into the outer darkness. But according to
the Father's will, Jesus hangs from the cross, soon to be
plunged into an eerie, unnatural darkness when the sun
should be at its zenith. Our King takes our place, suffering
and dying that we might be set free.

THE PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, I deserve nothing but the suffering and torments
of hell, but You suffered them in my place that I might live in
perfect peace and joy with You in heaven. Amen.

(Lenten Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries)