He was looked down on and passed over,
a man who suffered, who knew pain firsthand.
LUKE 18:32-33 (MSG)
He will be handed over to the Romans, jeered at, ridiculed, and spit on. Then, after giving him the third degree, they will kill him. In three days he will rise, alive.
SUMMARY SENTENCE
Jesus was brought down so he (and we) could be lifted up.
DAILY FODDER
Why couldn't Jesus just declare salvation in all its aspects into existence, rather than having to suffer so much to make it happen?
PRAYER
God, you chose to become one with us in our suffering and misery. That's the kind of God you are—loving us so much that you'd get your hands dirty rather than changing things through distant fiat. Forgive me for living as though my suffering is unique—an excuse to plot my own way foward. You are uniquely positioned to heal the hurt in my life. Make it so. I know that all your suffering was purposeful. Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
so that everything that happens here will align
with what is happening in heaven.
Our Father in Heaven,
we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
so that everything that happens here will align
with what is happening in heaven.
Give us enough food for today.
Forgive us our wrongdoing,
and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.
and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.
