When I think of God’s unspeakable love toward us, it’s absolutely mind-boggling!
Jesus left His heavenly home to come to earth to suffer and die for us. After His betrayal by one of His own followers, He was condemned to die a brutal death. He was scourged, beaten, mocked, spat upon, and crowned with thorns.
Then He was sent down the stony, narrow Via Dolorosa, often translated as the Way of Suffering. As He carried the cross, a large number of people followed Him. When they came to a place called Golgotha, they crucified Him there along with two criminals—one on His right, the other on His left. This is what happened next:
“One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, ‘Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!’ But the other criminal rebuked him saying, ‘Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.’ And he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ And [Jesus] said to him, ‘Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise’” (Luke 23:39–43).
Even in death, Jesus acknowledged the repentant thief beside Him. Jesus spoke to him with love and compassion.
“When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, ‘It is finished,’ and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit” (John 19:30). When Jesus drew His last earthly breath, His job on earth was finished. It was complete. However, for us it was not the end, but just the beginning, for He had opened the portals of heaven to all who believe.
“Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:4–5 NIV).
On the third day, Jesus rose triumphant, just as He had foretold. Through His death on the cross, Jesus purchased our salvation with His own blood.
Where would we be if Jesus had not made the ultimate sacrifice? Because of Adam’s sin, paradise was forever lost. However, in His infinite love for us, God sent His only begotten Son, who died for us so that we might be saved (John 3:16).