Carry The Cross

“You know that after two days is the Passover, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.” (Matthew 26:2)

Jesus warned His disciples that His time was near. The chief priests and elders were ready to carry out the task of killing Jesus, but just after the Passover. They didn’t want to cause an uproar with all the visitors in town. As the Lord celebrated Passover with His friends, He called out His betrayer (Matt. 26:20-25) and explained the New Covenant, His blood sacrifice in exchange for our sin. (Matt. 26:26-29)

As they finished their meal, Christ led them out to the Garden to pray. He explained to Peter, James, and John that He was so distressed and saddened.

“My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.”
(Matt. 26:38)

Jesus then prayed to the Father to find another way to accomplish the task of saving our souls, if was possible. He must have agonized over the coming torture, knowing the pain He would have to endure for us. What a picture of His love for each of us! Even after realizing what He must do, for a sinner like me, Jesus said:

“O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.” (Matt. 26:42)

Jesus then faced the torture, the ridicule, the absurd questioning of the officials, and then the cross head on…just for me, just for you. It was personal! He loved us all so much that He accepted all the pain on our behalf…and did not say a word, except,

“It is as you say.” (Matt. 27:11)

He accepted the guilt for us! He bore the shame. He paid the price that none of us could ever pay! What is our response? We all have a cross to bear for Christ. Will we accept the challenges we face day to day? Will we stand before man and claim the name of Christ? Will we be ashamed of the Gospel, or proudly proclaim it in words and action? Will we publicly stand for the Savior as He publicly gave Himself for us? Will we die to our selfish desires and decide to live for the One who gave His life in exchange for ours? Will we carry the cross God has for us, or hide from it, denying we even know Him? Can we commit to say with one voice today, “Your will be done Father!” May the Spirit living within every believer cause us to be His living sacrifice, not just during this Holy Week, but throughout the other 51 weeks of the year as well!