A Journey with Jesus during Lent

Matthew 27:32-34

As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross. They came to a place called Golgotha (which means “the place of the skull”). There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it.

For a few days now, we've read that Jesus was beaten and mocked repeatedly. In today's passage, a bit of kindness was offered to Jesus. The wine He was offered to drink was actually a sour wine mixed with frankincense... an anesthesia. Jesus tasted it and turned it away. He refused being sedated to the pain of crucifixion.

Earlier, Matthew documented Jesus' trip to the Garden of Gethsemane where He prayed to His Father the night before. He was grieved and asked the Father a well-known question,

"My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." Matthew 26:39

In Matthew 26, the cup signified the full experience of God's plan for salvation. In Matthew 27, while on the cross, Jesus refused the cup that would have allowed Him to miss the full extent of death's pain.

All the way to the end, Jesus was committed to living, dying, and resurrecting for you and for me. He knows the fullness of pain. He chose to feel it all.

"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are -- yet he did not sin." Hebrews 4:15

Jesus chose to embrace the fullness of humanity. He knows and understands any and every struggle you and I are facing. He didn't skip, hide from, or anesthetize Himself from any obstacle or pain.

In what ways are you experiencing pain today? I can see Jesus offering the cup of His presence. How are you experiencing Him today?

Dear Jesus,

We praise You and give thanks that we get to journey with You through this season of Lent. Draw us closer to Your heart, that we might know You better. After we daily reflect on Your selflessness and life-giving Word, give us wisdom to be Your hands and feet in the world just as You intend. Give us hearts of compassion, hands of generosity, and feet that take Your good news to the world. We love You and are honored to serve you Lord, our sweet Savior. Amen.

Week 4 Act of Kindness

“I needed clothes and you clothed me” Matthew 25:36a

This week, donate clothing to a thrift store or homeless shelter.