Read: Matthew 27:27-50
Matthew 27:50 – And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.
Death had no hold over the sinless Son of God, He yielded up His spirit.
Jesus experienced excruciating physical agony, yet the separation from God the Father was unbearable. The act of being judged for sin, our sin, was what Jesus dreaded the most, the cup of God’s righteous wrath, that He trembled at drinking. He did it so that we would not have to drink that cup. Jesus demonstrated remarkable resilience. Despite being subjected to immense torture and experiencing significant physical weakness, He remained conscious and able to speak until the moment of His death.
In the midst of His staggering display of love, instead of being honored, Jesus was mocked, reviled. They mocked Him as a Savior, as a King, as the Son of God and even as one who believes in God. And when He had fulfilled all of the law and the prophecy, Jesus yielded His Spirit.
Unlike most victims of crucifixion who spent their last hours in complete exhaustion or unconsciousness before death, Jesus was conscious and able to speak right up to the moment of His death. Jesus said “It is finished” (John 19:30) which is one word in the ancient Greek – tetelestai, which means “paid in full.” This was the cry of a winner. Jesus fully paid the debt of sin that you and I owed, finishing the eternal purpose of the cross. “He gave up his life because He willed it, when He willed it, and as He willed it.” (Augustine).
Ponder
- What does it mean to you to know that Jesus willingly laid down His life for you, and how does that impact the way you live your life?
- How does reflecting on the price that Jesus paid on the cross affect your perspective on the value of human life and the worth of each individual?
- How can you share the message of Jesus’ sacrifice with others in a way that reflects the love and grace that He demonstrated on the cross?
Scripture Writing: 2 Corinthians 5:21