Matthew 27:32-34 “As they went out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. They compelled this man to carry his cross. ³³And when they came to a place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull), ³⁴they offered him wine to drink, mixed with gall, but when he tasted it, he would not drink it. ³⁵And when they had crucified him, they divided his garments among them by casting lots. ³⁶Then they sat down and kept watch over him there. ³⁷And over his head they put the charge against him, which read, “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.”

Observation:  Jesus was willing to be humiliated and to suffer an unimaginably painful death on the cross so that we could be forgiven and rescued from the bondage of sin.  He died for all including the soldiers who were crucifying him and dividing his clothing among them.  Even though he truly was King, he became the suffering servant (Isaiah 53).

Application: Am I willing to endure humiliation and suffering for the sake of the Gospel? Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me (Matthew 16:24).  To deny oneself, is an every day battle because we are by nature self-centered.  Jesus wants us to be others-centered.

Prayer:  Thank you Jesus for suffering and dying on the cross to save me from my sin.  Lord give me a heart and compassion for others and help me be willing to suffer for your namesake.  In your name, Amen.

Paul Michaletz