[column width=”1/1″ last=”true” title=”” title_type=”single” animation=”none” implicit=”true”]
Continuing our analysis of the penultimate chapter of Luke’s Gospel, this week, please read verses 33-38. If possible, use a different translation each day, asking God to open your eyes to fresh revelation from His Word.
[/column]
[column parallax_bg=”disabled” parallax_bg_inertia=”-0.2″ extended=”” extended_padding=”1″ background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”” background_position=”” background_size=”auto” background_attachment=”” hide_bg_lowres=”” background_video=”” vertical_padding_top=”0″ vertical_padding_bottom=”0″ more_link=”” more_text=”” left_border=”transparent” class=”” id=”” title=”” title_type=”single” animation=”none” width=”1/1″ last=”true”]
[/column]
[divider type=”1″]
[/divider]
[column width=”1/1″ last=”true” title=”” title_type=”single” animation=”none” implicit=”true”]
Luke 23:33-34 (New Living Translation – NLT)
‘When they came to a place called The Skull, they nailed him to the cross. And the criminals were also crucified — one on his right and one on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.’
Whenever I read the account of the crucifixion of Jesus, there are so many things that go through my head. There are the obvious things first such as the incredible pain that our Lord must have been going through. Then I think about the unfathomable concept of all of our sin being laid on Him. I dwell on the incredible words of grace and forgiveness as He intercedes for those who had acted against Him and praise Him that He still intercedes for me!
I often consider the disciples and other followers of Jesus. I think about what they must have been feeling as they watched Him die. Was there a glimmer of hope or did they believe that this was the end? Mary was at the foot of the cross and I like to think that she was playing back in her mind the conversation she’d had with the angel all those years ago. She had hidden everything in her heart but perhaps now she was drawing strength from those words.
Perhaps the religious leaders stood not so far away gloating in the death of one of their fiercest critics. It could be that they considered that they were now in for a much easier ride with Jesus ‘out of the way’. I wonder where Pilate was at this point and what he was thinking now as the innocent man he’d seen so many times over the last few hours was being robbed of His life.
All of these people could be considered the major players in the scene but there were quite a few ‘extras’ so to speak. Our verses today describe the role of the soldiers at the cross. I guess that none of them imagined what was going to happen as they left the barracks that morning. It seems that their behaviour at the cross of Jesus was not really any different from other crucifixions. Historians inform us that it was normal practice for them to take whatever was on offer as they performed the most horrendous of duties. Perhaps there were some sandals, belts or outer garments that could be of value.
Most of the time there was little for them to take and therefore the re-sale value of the items was low. But they would still make a few extra ‘pennies’ by relieving the dying man of his last possessions. The King of all Glory was nailed to the cross in front of them and they gambled for His clothes in order to increase their wealth. What did they take away from the cross and I wonder how much they earned that day?
There are some people who are steeped in religion who regularly visit the cross of Jesus. During their services, they focus their attention on the sacrifice He made that day and yet so many take nothing of any value from the cross. How much, or how little do we take home from Calvary? We have so many services, bible studies and prayer meetings. Take a few moments today to consider how much we take away from the cross?
[/column]