Then Pilate took Jesus and flogged Him. And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on His head and arrayed Him in a purple robe. They came up to Him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" and struck Him with their hands. (John 19:1-3)

It is hard to imagine the soldiers doing these things. It hurts. Flogging Jesus until the blood ran and He had trouble staying conscious. Putting a purple robe on Him and a reed in His hand for a royal scepter. Jamming a crown of thorns on His head. Bowing before Him.

That part I can imagine. Because that is what I would like to do myself, looking in the face of the One who loved me and all people so much that He willingly went through with all this—suffered all this pain and shame, in order to rescue us. Because of course He didn't have to. He could have called God's angels to rescue Him at any time (see Matthew 26:53). But then what would have happened to us, trapped by the power of evil?

No. It was love that made Jesus go through with it, all the way to the cross and the borrowed tomb. And it was love that raised Him from the dead on the third day, full of joy and happiness—because He had saved the people He loved so much. You. Me. All of us, everyone who will trust in Him. We will be with Him forever.

WE PRAY: Lord Jesus, thank You for what You did for me. Amen.

Reflection Questions:

* Do you remember the first time you heard the story of Jesus' suffering and death?

* If so, what effect did it have on you?

* If not, what effect do you think it has on new audiences today?

Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.

Today's Bible Readings: Numbers 31-33    Luke 1:39-56

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