They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him – Mk. 15:17.

As Easter approaches this month, let’s think through the events leading to the Cross. Jesus did nothing to deserve the horrendous physical and emotional abuse they subjected Him to during those final hours of His earthly sojourn. Neither did He do anything to deserve the suffering they put Him through. The amazing thing is, He bore it. Why?

            Christ endured the emotional agony in the Garden of Gethsemane (34-36). He was betrayed by one of His own disciples (Mk. 14:44-45) and was deserted by His friends when He was arrested (50). Peter, His closest confidant, denied Him at His trial before the Sanhedrin that night (66-72).

            Though the Roman Governor had no authority to sit in judgment of the One who created him, He subjected Himself to Him (15:1-15). Jesus yielded to Pilate’s judgment.

            He endured the mockery in the Praetorium by the soldiers. They dressed Him as King, put a crown of thorns on His head, and He was hit repeatedly with the staff they put in His hands. “Hail the king of the Jews,” they shouted (16-29).

            In agony, He carried His cross through the narrow streets of Jerusalem to Calvary. There, the cruel hammer drilled the metal spikes through His hands and feet (24). “Save yourself,” the people shouted (vs.30). “He saved others…but He can’t save Himself,” the chief priests and teachers of the law scorned. “Let Him come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe” (31-32). Oh, really? Didn’t he have the power to do that? So, why didn’t Jesus perform one of those miracles to prove His power to them? Amazing love, that’s why!

Can you comprehend its meaning? Do you sense its power? Do you feel its pulse, its heartbeat, its tenacity, its endurance, and above all, its humility? It is patient, kind, unselfish, calm, protective, trustful, hopeful and persevering.  Does 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 come alive to you? Have you loved that way before? Have you experienced this love from any human being before?

Now, can you understand John 3:16 in a fresh way? “For God so loved the world that He gave His One and Only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” “God demonstrates His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8).

No! He did not deserve any of those, and He did not have to endure any of them. It was for your sake – that you may be reconciled to God eternally (9-11). Love so amazing! Love so divine!

Have you embraced this love at Calvary? Have you received the grace it lavishes on all who believe in Jesus for salvation (Eph. 1:7-8)? How do you show your appreciation for this extraordinary love? Do you love Him as He loved you? Love so amazing! Love so divine!

Give glory to Him this season.