In our Bible study, we have been looking at the Easter story. It was a six-week study, so we have been able to really look at the events in depth. I have heard the story many times, and perhaps you have as well. I am finding that when I study something in depth, I get a different perspective, and I learn new things.

Matthew 26:67 – Then they spit in [Jesus'] face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him. (NIV)

Matthew 27:26-31 – Then [Pilate] released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified. Then the governor's soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand and knelt in front of him and mocked him. "Hail, king of the Jews!" they said. They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him. (NIV)

So what did the people do? They spit in His face, struck Him with their fists, slapped Him, had Him flogged, stripped Him, put a crown of thorns on His head, mocked Him, spit on Him some more, struck His head again and again, and led Him away to crucify Him. It wasn't over yet. They drove nails into His hands and feet, hurled insults at Him when He was on the cross, gambled away His clothes, and struck Him in the side with a spear.

Wow! I have heard the Easter story before, but this is the first time that it made me really stop and think. When we actually look at what the people did to Jesus, it was horrible. He was innocent of any crime. Jesus went through all of this for me — for us all. On the cross, He took on the sin and the weight of the world. He had to suffer so that we could have salvation.

My God, what love is this,
that flows so deeply?
That I, the guilty one,
may go free?
       – Graham Kendrick

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your amazing love. Thank You that You would send Your Son to endure a personal injustice in our place. May we remember the love that You gave for us all and in turn share it with others. Amen.

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About the author:

Corinne Furtney <cdfurtney@yahoo.ca>
Burlington, Ontario, Canada
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