The Love That Stayed on the Cross

The cross shows us two truths that should never be handled lightly: sin is serious, and the love of God is immense.

In Isaiah 53:5-6, we see that Jesus was pierced for our transgressions and crushed for our iniquities. In Luke 23:33-34, already hanging on the cross, He still prays, “Father, forgive them.” Before that scene, the heart needs to stop. There is no place for rush, distraction, or coldness.

Jesus did not go to the cross by accident. He gave Himself willingly. He knew the pain that was coming, the shame He would face, and the abandonment He would feel. Still, He remained there. Not because He was weak, but because He loved to the very end.

Good Friday reminds us that salvation cost blood. It cost wounds. It cost the body of the Son of God given for sinners. That calls us to repentance. It calls us away from shallowness. It calls us to see sin the way God sees it.

Yet the cross also fills us with hope. The punishment that brought us peace fell on Christ. The condemnation that belonged to us was placed on Him. There, the love of God was revealed in a holy, deep, and final way.

Today, look at Jesus. Do not look only with emotion. Look with honesty. Let the cross break your pride, soften your heart, and bring you back to the Lord.

5 But he [was] wounded for our transgressions, [he was] bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace [was] upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.

34 Then said Jesus, ‹Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.› And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.