“My soul is deeply troubled. Should I pray ‘Father, save me from this hour? No! This is the very reason I came. Father, bring glory to your name.” (Jn.12:27-28)
Lord Jesus, as the events of “Holy Week” began to unfold, exuberant “Hosannas!” in Jerusalem gave way to deep troubling in your soul. There was no hesitation but profound consternation. No surprises awaited you, just an overwhelming assignment—a plan you embraced before the world began (Eph.1:3-14). Within days, you would take the judgment we deserve to give us the grace we could never earn. Your “bruised heel” (Gen.3:15) would crush Satan’s snarly head. “Death would start working backwards”—the expiration date on all evil, illness, and brokenness would be set.
By your cross you paid the price of salvation for God’s immense covenant family—children of grace from every nation, tribe, people, and language; daughters and sons of mercy as numerous as the stars in the sky, sand on the beaches, and dust of the earth (Gen. 12-17). Hallelujah—this is how big the reach and riches of the Gospel actually are.
Your cross wasn’t a tragic accident but the most glorious providence. You took our sin to give us your righteousness (2Cor.5:21). Indeed Jesus, you didn’t come to be our model to follow but our substitute to trust. So on the Monday before “Good Friday,” of course your heart was greatly overwhelmed as you “surveyed” the meaning and cost of your cross before you were nailed to it.
Jesus, there is no greater love than the love you have given us through dying for us. There is no greater joy than the joy that compelled you to endure the cross on our behalf (Heb.12:2). Grant us grace this week to be undone, humbled, and profoundly gladdened as we survey the wonders of your cross afresh. SoVery Amen.
