The Crucifixion

What meaning does the cross hold for you? The Bible tells the story so clearly, yet it is hard to picture and to understand by just reading. The Passion of the Christ is a movie that really gets one to feel what Jesus must have gone through. But have you really asked yourself just what he must have endured. Have you thought of it in total physical respect? I never did fully look at it until listening to Pastor Krist and his description. He's a man that reads theology to learn as much as he possibly can. Then shares with us. This is some of the description that really took hold to many of us and gave us a whole new perspective on what the crucifixion really meant.

The Romans were well trained on how to inflict pain and make it last. They knew the physical endurance of a human body. Imagine being flogged by short whips that had metal balls on the end. The bruising that one would endure during the beatings. They knew just how far to carry it out. Where to hit so that it would hurt but not kill. Eventually the skin tears. How much can a body take?

The heart rate is already raised, the pain intense, the skin is breaking and bleeding. A ring of thorns was placed on your head and you are bleeding from those as well. It's hot, you've had nothing to drink. The pain is intense, you're bleeding, no water to replenish what you've lost. Sweating is a given from the pain and the heat.

Now that your heart rate is raised, you're parched, you're bleeding, you are required to pick up a heavy cross and carry it through the streets. By now your mind is not able to focus, your body is working over time. Imagine the pain you are in by this time. The achiness, the pain, the muscles contracting from need of water. In other words, there must be muscles spasms going on. The mind must be a haze from the heart working over time. Your organs are most likely not functioning properly.

After carrying the cross, dehydrated, beaten, bleeding, you are laid upon that cross and nails are driven into your wrists and then your feet. By now the pain is so intense. Then you are raised up to hang from those nails driven into your wrists and feet. Imagine hanging like this not able to breath due to the position you are in. Still bleeding, parched, immense pain taking over. The only way to get air is to raise yourself up. So you have to rely on your arms and feet to raise your body to get the necessary air.

Can you even fathom the pain of just raising yourself up nailed to that cross? Can you imagine what the brain is doing at this point? Can you imagine the pain from the beatings, the open wounds, the ring of thorns on your head? The cramping of the muscles going on in the whole body. The feeling of not being able to breathe? It really makes one stop and think, doesn't it?

This is what Jesus endured to save us from our sins. He took all our sins upon Him, all our diseases. All to save us so that we could meet our Creator. Jesus, our sweet and wonderful Savior. And yet we continue to sin.

Now I didn't tell the specifics as Pastor Krist did as to the better medical description he gave. To hear it was unbelievable. That was a life changing experience for me. I've watched the Passion of the Christ and it hurt to watch what Jesus endured then, but now, I don't know if I could watch it again with the new view of what He endured for us. But it is a great reminder of how much we have to be thankful for. Of how we really need to try hard to show our appreciation. Of how important it is to be a good Christian.

Imagine being a parent allowing your son to endure something like that to save the human race. What a great sacrifice and a show of love for a sinful nation. What sacrifices are you willing to make for our Father God and Jesus Christ the Savior? This month is a perfect month for fasting something. Be thankful. Show your love for Him. Show your gratefulness for what was sacrificed for you. Our God is a loving God. God is Love. Be a loving soul to all.

Take time out each day to thank Him, to show your gratitude, to show your love as He has shown His love for us. Thank you Lord for each day you have provided for us. For every second of every day we have to spend with our earth family and friends. Thank you Lord for your great sacrifice so that I may be saved. Thank you for the gifts you continue to pour upon us. Thank you for leading us, teaching us, guiding us. Thank you for carrying us in our times of trials and weaknesses. Oh Lord, we could never thank you enough for all that you do for us. We are not worthy of your love. We humble ourselves before you and give thanks. All the praise goes to you. You are an awesome God. We love you Jesus with all our heart. In Jesus Holy Name, Amen.

May the Lord continue to pour His blessings upon each of you today, tomorrow until eternity. Allow Him to lead you. Open your hearts, your eyes, and your ears to Him and follow. He will not lead you astray. Keep a discerning heart. Love your neighbors. Pick up your cross and carry it!Love and Blessings to all!