I Peter 2:22-24a “He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.”

Mark 15: 34 “And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eloi, eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

While Jesus’ mortal body began the agonizing process of approaching death, Jesus had a few more things he needed to suffer before saying the words “It is finished.” First, Jesus had to show grace under the most extreme circumstances ever contrived by man. While hanging on the cross, pushing against the spikes in his wrist bones and feet in order to get a few gulps of precious life-giving air into his lungs, Jesus continued to think not of himself but of others. He spoke (not an easy task for someone having to fight for every breath) in order to ensure his mother would be cared for (by the Apostle John), that God would forgive those who were murdering him, and also to assure a repenting believer that he would be with Jesus in paradise. We also see Jesus suffering his final trial for us…the pain of abandonment. For all eternity Jesus had been in fellowship, oneness with his Father. Today, for the first time, God had turned his back. Why? Because of us. Once our sins had been placed on Jesus, God could no longer look upon his son. This may have been the greatest of all the pains our Savior faced. And he did it for you.

Prayer: Gracious Father, in truth I cannot begin to imagine the pain it must have caused you to turn your back on your son. Although I know you did not truly abandon him, in that moment of human despair my soul can relate to his mournful cry. It was my sin that caused you to turnaway. The suffering he bore was mine. I owe a debt I cannot repay. Lord God, teach me to understand that a life lived for him is the only payment worthy of a life given for me. It is not a life of toil and hardship you call me to but a life of service, of joy, of peace. Lord I offer my life to you today, my life for yours given - In Jesus’ name I pray -Amen.”