On Mount Calvary

During this week of the cross, I think about the people who surrounded Jesus during His last days and last moments. I always spend time reading the chapters in the gospels that describe His last days on this Earth as the Son of Man, and I think about His interactions with these people.

As we move toward Resurrection Sunday, the cross is always on my mind. I remember that before He rose, He suffered. Before He ascended to His Father, He was persecuted. Before He celebrated the victory that has become my victory, He bore the death that should have been mine.

I don't ever want to forget that.

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People crowded the hill of the cross.

Simon the Cyrene bore

the physical load for the Savior,

but he could not carry His broken heart.

Soldiers crucified Him

and wondered at His agony.

Two thieves shared His suffering.

One understood. One mocked.

The chief priests challenged

His status and His authority.

Many women who followed Him

watched and wept

as if their own child suffered.

The Father saw His Son –

His only begotten Son –

and accepted His sacrifice.

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"But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5, KJV).

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What are you thinking about this week?