Avoiding suffering and death is probably high on most of our agendas. We exercise, take our medicine and try to play it safe to live a healthier and longer life. But, sooner or later, we all must face the prospect of death. Jesus certainly knew the value of life, but he was peculiarly familiar with suffering and death. Jesus was hunted down from his birth (Mt 2:16) and now finally faced death through the due process of a corrupt law system. Although he could have saved himself, he chose to take up his cross, suffer, and die. He entrusted his life and spirit to God.

That God did not spare his one and only son from death reveals that God is with us in both life and death. Jesus’ mercy and love saves us from our self-condemnation and shame. Jesus’ death shows that he was fully committed to redeeming us from the depth of our sin and darkness, and from the fear of death itself. Jesus came to be with us in these very moments so that we may find true comfort, mercy, and hope that arises from the depths of sin and despair. As a kernel of wheat dies and bears much fruit, so do our lives when we look to the cross of Jesus.
Application: Lord, you died that we may have life. You are with us in our own suffering and death. You will see us through.
One Word: It is finished