Friday, December 22
Messiah Sacrificed
Scripture Reading: John 3:16, Psalm 22
John 3:16 is the essence of the Gospel, and perhaps the best-known verse in the entire Bible. Unfortunately, John 3:16 has become so commonplace in popular culture that the verse, for many people, has lost its potency; Psalm 22 helps us to again understand the power behind John 3:16.
Across history, many Christians have interpreted Psalm 22 as a direct prediction and description of Jesus’ suffering on the cross, as Jesus was mocked and scorned during the crucifixion, and even cried out “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matt. 27:46, Psalm 22:1). Imagine Jesus Christ, Holy God in human form, suffering in the way the Psalmist suffers in Psalm 22. Further still, remember that Jesus’ suffering is punishment for YOUR sin, so that you “will not perish but have eternal life,” if you repent and follow Him. Try to comprehend how grievous your sin is, that the perfect Son of God had to endure so much to pay for it, but also think of how vast God’s love is for you, that He would willingly sacrifice Himself so your sin would be forgiven and forgotten!
Reflection Questions:
1. Do you always see your sin as serious enough for Jesus to suffer for? Or are you tempted to rationalize or minimize your sins?
2. Do you always believe that God’s love shown in the Gospel is enough to save you?
Song:
“How Deep the Father’s Love” – King’s Kaleidoscope