October 4, 2010 Jesus Already Did

October 4
Jesus Already Did
Read John 19 - 21

John 19:17 He went out, carrying his cross

IS IT not enough that his back is a mass of blood and broken skin, blood dripping off his forehead from a painful crown of thorns, that his wrists and arms are numb from the ropes that tied him to the pole as the soldiers lashed him? Is he not broken and weakened enough? Now he has to carry his own cross?
Jesus, the Son of God, the Son of Man, the Messiah, bears his cross to the place where he will be crucified. He bears his cross to demonstrate the truth of his own words, Mark 8:34 “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
Yes, these words are figurative, symbolic of perseverance through trial and difficulties that come against us from the world as we follow Christ. But our Lord sets for us a real example. He shows us in the reality of his walk to the cross, that bearing a cross is a burden at best, and it is impossible without help.
Simon of Cyrene is forced to help Jesus when he can bear the wooden beam no longer. In a like manner, we must face our cross and bear it forward. And as we do, our Lord will step in to say, “Here, I know this is too heavy for you alone. Let me help you.”
When we face a difficulty in our lives, a cross to bear, we know we can trust our resurrected Lord for his help. He has bore his cross for you and for me. He knows how hard it is to bear it alone.
Living a life trusting Jesus is turning to Jesus and calling to him for help. He will come alongside you to strengthen you. And when your journey is complete, Jesus will lift that cross from you forever.
You don’t have to go to Golgotha. Jesus already did.


Pause and Consider: Jesus’ great love for you.