Ministries
Care + Counseling
Groups
fpKIDS
fpStudents
fpWorship
Missions
Get weekly updates about what’s happening at Faith Promise Church.
10740 Faith Promise Lane | Knoxville, TN 37931 | [email protected] | (865) 251-2590
TODAY’S READING
Mark 15:22-39 (NIV)
22 They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means “the place of the skull”). 23 Then they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. 24 And they crucified him. Dividing up his clothes, they cast lots to see what each would get.
25 It was nine in the morning when they crucified him. 26 The written notice of the charge against him read: THE KING OF THE JEWS.
27 They crucified two rebels with him, one on his right and one on his left. 29 Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, “So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, 30 come down from the cross and save yourself!” 31 In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him among themselves. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! 32 Let this Messiah, this king of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him.
33 At noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. 34 And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).
35 When some of those standing near heard this, they said, “Listen, he’s calling Elijah.”
36 Someone ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to take him down,” he said.
37 With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last.
38 The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 39 And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died, he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!”
DEVOTIONAL
This was it.
This was the moment that changed history forever.
The crucifixion of Jesus was more than a historical event, though; it was the turning point for humanity. This moment of intense suffering and sacrifice on the cross is a stark reminder of the price paid for our sins. What does this mean for us today? How does reflecting on Jesus’ sacrifice impact the way we live, think, and interact with others? In this blog, we delve into the significance of the crucifixion, inviting you to ponder the depth of God’s love and the transformative power of Jesus’ sacrifice. Let’s explore how this pivotal event can influence our daily lives, urging us to live in a way that truly honors the immense love shown to us.
The crucifixion of Jesus, depicted in the Gospels, stands as the central moment in Christian faith. It’s a scene of profound suffering and ultimate sacrifice, as Jesus is nailed to the cross and left to die, bearing the weight of humanity’s sins. This event, more than any other, calls for deep reflection on our own lives—our actions, our sins, and our need for redemption. It also reminds us of the boundless love and grace of God, who sent His only Son to suffer in our place.
The cross urges us to search our hearts deeply and to confess our sins. It’s a vivid reminder that sin is not just mistakes or missteps, but an irreparably broken part of our lives with the power to separate us from God. It was the cause of Jesus’ painful, humiliating, and agonizing death. Yet, through Jesus’ sacrifice, we are offered forgiveness and the chance to start anew. This realization should fill us with humble thankfulness, not only for the gift of salvation but also for the daily mercy and forgiveness we receive.
But gratitude for Jesus’ work on the cross should be more than a feeling; it should motivate us to live in a way that honors Him. Jesus’ life was marked by love, sacrifice, and service. He reached out to the marginalized, spoke truth boldly, loved unconditionally, and lived out a radical message of grace. To truly honor His sacrifice, we should strive to emulate His way of living, making our lives a reflection of His love and compassion. This way of living not only transforms us but also impacts those we interact with, and is a key part of “winning our world” for Christ.
Here are three actionable steps to deepen our response to Jesus’ crucifixion and live in a way that honors Him:
Regular Self-Examination and Confession
Make it a habit to reflect on your day, acknowledging your shortcomings and asking for God’s forgiveness. Remember why Jesus had to die. This practice keeps our hearts humble and reminds us of our dependence on God’s grace. It can be helpful to journal these reflections, making note of areas where growth is needed and recognizing God’s faithfulness in guiding and forgiving us.
Remember the Reality of the Cross
Begin or end each day by thanking Jesus for His sacrifice on the cross. This can be through prayer, song, or writing. Cultivating a habit of thankfulness shifts our focus from our circumstances to the greatness of God’s love and the gift of salvation we have in Jesus.
Share the Message of Easter
“Winning your world” involves sharing the hope and love found in Jesus Christ. This doesn’t mean you have to know the ins and outs of Easter theology; it can be as simple as sharing how your faith has impacted your life or offering to pray for someone going through a tough time. The message of the cross is one of love and redemption, a message that can bring hope to those searching for meaning.
The crucifixion compels us to reflect on our own lives and the depth of Jesus’ sacrifice. It calls us to live out our gratitude through actions that honor Him, following His example of love, service, and sacrifice. By examining our hearts, serving others, and sharing the message of the cross, we can live lives that not only reflect our thankfulness for Jesus’ work but also draw others to discover the love and grace we’ve found in Him.
