Inspirational Insights with Pastor Theo Snyman
THE Lord Jesus was in such anguish while praying in the Garden of Gethsemane that His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.
He prayed: “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).
Nobody knew better than Jesus Himself what “this cup” meant, yet He willingly drank it for sinful mankind! It was the ransom price required to redeem lost sinners from the wages of sin.
The Jewish leaders, accusing Him of blasphemy, spat in His face, hit Him with their fists while mocking and jeering at Him. Clothed in a purple robe with a crown of thorns on His head, He suffered the humiliation of the soldier’s mock obeisance.
Thirty-nine times His back was lacerated by the thongs of a cruel whip in fulfilment of Isaiah 53:5, which says, “by his wounds we are healed.” He was then led to a place called Golgotha where He was crucified.
For six long and agonising hours Jesus hung on the cross, the last three being in total darkness, although it was the middle of the afternoon. I do not think anyone will ever be able to understand the absolute desolation He felt when He cried: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46).
Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit (John 19:30). It (the cup He drank) was finished – the ransom price was paid in full! His broken lifeless body was laid in a tomb.
But… on the third day He rose again! He is the King of kings and Lord of lords; the Saviour of everyone who believes.
Quotations from New International Version