Devotion: Bearing Witness Through Suffering (John 19:16-27, Luke 23:44-46, Psalm 31:1-5)
We read 3 separate passages. I put them here to make it easier.
So the soldiers took charge of Jesus. Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull. There they crucified him, and with him two others—one on each side and Jesus in the middle. Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. Many of the Jews read this sign, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek. The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, “Do not write ‘The King of the Jews,’ but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews.” Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.” When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. “Let’s not tear it,” they said to one another. “Let’s decide by lot who will get it.” This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled that said, “They divided my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment.” So this is what the soldiers did. Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. (John 19:16-27)
It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last. (Luke 23:44-46)
In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God. (Psalm 31:1-5)
The passages from John 19 and Psalm 31 depict the suffering of Jesus on the cross. John recorded how Pilate handed Jesus over to the soldiers for crucifixion. They mocked him. Meanwhile, Luke captured Jesus’ forgiveness towards the criminals crucified him. Luke also picked up the final words of Jesus, entrusting his spirit to Father God. Even in his dying moments, brought about by very people he came to save, Jesus remained compassionate.
Facing Suffering with Faith. Even Jesus, who did not sin was nailed on the cross. It shows that even the most righteous can face suffering. Jesus endured it with faith and trust in God.
Forgiveness in the Face of Injustice. On the cross, Jesus chose to forgive the criminals. This challenges us to extend our forgiveness even to those who wronged us. We experience freedom and peace when we are willing to let go of resentment, I have heard one pastor explained that unforgiveness is consuming poison to hurt the people we are angry with.
Finding Strength in Prayer. On the cross, Jesus entrusted his spirit to God. At all times, we can seek God in prayer. We can find strength in prayer.
Bearing Witness Through Love. Even when he endured immense suffering, pain, and shame, Jesus displayed his compassion and love. In our daily lives, we can bear witness to our faith by demonstrating love and forgiveness.
Think of a time when you experienced significant suffering. It could be physical or emotional or a combination of both. How did you find strength and faith? In what situations do you find it the most challenging to forgive? How did Jesus’ example on the cross inspire you to be more forgiving? How can you develop prayer as a lifestyle, especially when facing suffering? Do you demonstrate Christ-like love and forgiveness in your daily life?
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