THE MOUNTAIN 
Read: Matthew 27:11-54

There is no doubt that today’s reading is one that will humble you. 

During Easter - it’s easy to get caught up in the celebration of the resurrection and the spring colors and the egg hunts and the brunches and the family photos. Those are all good things and the empty tomb should be celebrated. We don’t call is the Church Super Bowl for nothing. 

But the reality is this: the path to Easter goes straight through the brutal murder of an innocent man on a mountain top. 

Jesus was crucified at a place known as Golgotha (Aramaic) or Calvary (Latin), or “place of a skull,” located just outside of Jerusalem's walls. It was called that because it was the established place where criminals were crucified. As a place of cruel, humiliating death. It was outside the city walls, yet likely on a well-established road - meant for maximum exposure and shame.

This mountain was a site known for it’s darkness. But in the same way Jesus changes everything about everything - that mountain is now a symbol of sacrifice and love. 

It’s hard to read the story of Jesus’ final moments and not be effected. 
The scene is truly brutal from start to finish. 

The accusations.
The sarcasm from the leaders.
The crowd choosing freedom for Barrabas over Jesus.
The chants to “crucify” him. 
The mocking from the soldiers.
The extreme measures of torture and humiliation.
And one of the most brutal deaths of all time. 

A death that caused the whole city to go dark for three hours in the middle of the day. A poetic picture for such a powerful moment in history. 

It can be tempting to look away at this part of Holy Week. It’s beyond uncomfortable to read.

But it’s important to remember that Jesus did not suffer as the victim of circumstances. 
He chose it for you and for me. 

Jesus said of His life in John 10:18, “no one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself”

It is terrible to be forced to endure such torture, but to freely choose it out of love is remarkable. He did not save Himself so that He could save others. Love kept Jesus on the cross, not nails.

Can we ever fairly doubt God’s love for us when He went to the most extreme length to demonstrate it?

Jesus took on every punishment that we deserved to give us the life we could not earn and he did it out of love. 

This is the heart of the gospel. 

Let us never forget the sacrifice Christ made once and for all - for you and for me. 

Reflection Questions: 
What does the cross show you about God’s love for you?
How has Jesus changed your life? What would not be true in your life without the sacrifice that Jesus made for you? 

Prayer Prompt:
Say a prayer of thanks for Jesus for all He endured and for the sacrifice He made so that you could experience salvation.