

So they took Jesus, and He went out, bearing His own cross, to the place called The Place of a Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. There they crucified Him, and with Him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them. (John 19:16b-18)
It feels right to me that Jesus is crucified on the cross in the middle. There He hangs, between two thieves—among sinners, as He has always been for us. Jesus does not keep Himself separate from us. He does not stand off to the side, a little distant, to avoid getting involved in our mess. No, He is right there with us—in the middle, suffering with us.
But He does more than that. He is there within reach, where we can see and hear Him. We can cry out to Him for help and be sure He listens. What religion has a God like this, who comes so near to us that He shares our very death with us? Who has a Savior who chooses to leave heaven to hang on a cross in public shame, surrounded by the people He came to save?
And our sins hang on Him—all our guilt, all our shame.
Isaiah said, "Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; ... upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with His wounds we are healed" (Isaiah 53:4a, 5b).
Jesus is with us, even now. And because He died and rose again for us, we who trust in Him will be with Him forever in His kingdom.
WE PRAY: Lord, I am so glad that You are with me always. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* Does it matter that God has experienced death? Why?
* Where do you most need Jesus to be with you?
* Tell about a situation in which you relied on Him to be present and help you.
Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Today's Bible Readings: Deuteronomy 5-7 Luke 3
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