The Journey to the Cross in ASLSample

Sentenced

Just the week before His betrayal, Jesus had been praised with “Hosanna.” Then, the following week, He experiences the crowd calling out, “Crucify Him!” The Pharisees finally got what they had always wanted, a rigged court trial! 

At this point in the story, Jesus had been beaten, wore a crown of thorns, and was continually mocked. He was handed over to be crucified and forced to carry His cross. Oh, how the events quickly turned! 

In Matthew 16, Jesus tells us the cost of following Him. He tells us in verse 24, “...if anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” He’s not talking about a physical cross, but rather the cost of being His follower. Jesus paid the full cost on the cross (John 3:16). 

So let's think about that. Are we committed when we declare that we follow Jesus? Do we mean it? The cost of following Jesus is not easy, but worth it. There will be suffering, persecution, tribulation and so much more. Are you willing to face that and still declare that Jesus is Lord? Are you willing to declare that no matter what happens, you follow Jesus? 

Jesus willingly suffered and died so that we might be brought back into the kingdom of God’s family and have a relationship with Him. Why would He do that? Because John 3:16 tells us, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

So what should our response be? We should respond with, “Abba, thank You. I give You my life and will forever serve You.”