Beyond the Weekend

April 2 | His Life for Ours

April 2, 2021

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”). Mark 15:34

Read: Mark 15:16-41
Listen: 
Mark 15

TODAY’S MESSAGE

Jesus sings and prays Psalm 22 centuries after David wrote it. Jesus may have recognized how David’s suffering would one day mirror his own. Soldiers mock Jesus and hurl insults at him. They divide his garments as he hangs exposed on the cross. They pierce his hands and feet to crucify him. Jesus’ final words echo the Psalmist as he cries out, asking God why he has forsaken him. Watch this video as Pastor John Dickson compares Jesus’ suffering on the cross to David’s in Psalm 22.

Jesus enters our pain and suffering. His love for us goes so deep he gives up his life for ours. This is what Good Friday is about. Our suffering cannot mean God doesn’t care—because God revealed his heart for humanity through Jesus’ death on the cross. Jesus comforts us in our suffering because he experienced the most excruciating physical, emotional and spiritual pain. He forgives betrayal and every wrong because he made amends for all wrongdoing. He can breathe life where there is death because he conquered the grave. Jesus’ final cry is “It is finished” (John 19:30). He fulfills every promise of life the Psalms make.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

Take time to sit in the hurt and heartache of what Jesus endured for you on Good Friday. Read Mark 15 slowly, feeling the pain and turmoil Jesus suffered on your behalf. “Jesus, thank you for suffering on the cross to pay the price for my sins. Thank you for the new life and freedom I have through your death and resurrection. I desire to live each day for you.”


NEW TESTAMENT READING PLAN

Join us this year as we read through the New Testament.

Today’s reading is Luke 21.

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