Philippians 2:8 “And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death – even death on a cross.”

Crucifixions had been going on for some 300 years before Christ gave his life in that way. There was no greater form of punishment. Being thrown in a fiery pit, or torn apart by wild animals would result in a quick, albeit, painful death. You were not burdened to know what others thought or hear what others had to say. Not so with crucifixion. You were placed on display in all your nakedness and shame for the world to see. You could hear what people would say as they passed by - every taunt, all the mocking laughter. As you hung there, your own private hell now become public, even the birds of the air become your enemy. It was to this that Jesus knowingly consented. He consented. He humbled himself for humanity’s sake. The Romans did it to strike fear into the hearts of would-be enemies and to show their strength. Jesus did it to show that true love, his love for us, was stronger than any Roman legion, stronger than any Roman cross.

Prayer: “Lord Jesus, it is hard for me to relate to something so horrible, so plainly in human as crucifixion. The fact that you would go through all that for me makes it even harder to understand. I have been selfish, strong-willed, and opinionated. The worst possible death I can think of doesn’t even come close. You suffered agonies and indignities for me.  Help me to appreciate the fact that I will never have to endure anything like that…thanks to you – in your holy name I pray…Amen.”