AMAZING LOVE
- Key Verse
Now from the sixth hour darkness fell upon all the land until the ninth hour. About the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" that is, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?". . . And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom . . . . (Matthew 27:45-46, 51a)
READ TODAY'S PASSAGE-
READ THE CHAPTER
Central Truth
Jesus, being fully God and fully man, because of the joy set before Him, endured the cross and the separation that our sin caused in order to restore us to God.
Reflections
Were you ever lost as a child? Do you remember that feeling? I do. I got separated from my dad at the World's Fair when I was five. I was lost only for a short time, but I will never forget it. Separation is horrible to experience, yet Jesus willingly experienced this for us.
A heaven-sent darkness blanketed the earth for three hours as Jesus was made sin on our behalf (2 Corinthians 5:21) and became a curse for us (Galatians 3:13). Jesus, for the FIRST and ONLY time EVER, experienced separation from God the Father. Sin had broken communion between man and God. Only Jesus could fix and restore what sin had broken. Jesus, whose name means "the Lord saves," endured what we will never have to—separation from God (Hebrews 13:5b). That is, IF we confess and believe in Jesus (Romans 10:10).
God's amazing love is never so greatly realized than in these twelve verses in which His Son on the cross endured separation from the Father because of our sin and yielded His spirit (Matthew 27:50). Jesus laid down His life; it was not taken from Him (John 10:17-18), and God tore the veil as He accepted Jesus’ sacrifice (Matthew 27:51).
Do you ever feel lost, lonely, or broken? That’s the effect of sin in our lives. Sin separates us from relationship with God. The good news is that Jesus is in the business of finding the lost and fixing the broken. Our sin earns us death, but God offers the free gift of eternal life in Jesus (Romans 6:23). It is a free gift, but it must be accepted.
Well, my dad finally did find me, and I cried. But that separation pales in comparison to the separation sin causes. Where do you find yourself today? Are you a skeptic waiting to see, separated by doubt; or are you like the centurion recognizing the Son of God? May the cross always remind us of God's great love available through belief in His Son.
Discussion Questions
1. When do you feel lost or forsaken? Where do you go for comfort?2. What’s the difference between acknowledging Jesus and believing in Him?
3. What proof do you need to believe and accept Jesus as Savior?
How can we help?
4. Take some time to read Romans 3:23-24; 5:6-8; 6:10, 23; 10:9-10; 12:1 ending with 1 John 3:1.
FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Name the miraculous things that happened as Jesus was dying.
2. The soldiers witnessed all these miraculous things, what did they then know to be true about Jesus (verse 54)?
3. Have you ever seen God do something miraculous in your life? (Remember, miraculous doesn’t have to be as big as earthquake, it can be your heart being changed to love someone differently.) Did it help you trust Him more?
Jay McCormack
April 22, 2010 06:44 AM
Tawney, What a treat to get up early this morning, jump on The Journey and get to hear some words of wisdom from my friend...thanks so much for the encouragement. Jay
Renee Farinella
April 22, 2010 08:47 AM
Thank you, dearest Tawney, for the strength of your faith, clear and solid grasp of Truth and facilitation of God's word, and the beauty and steadfastness of your example. I am Grateful for, encouraged, and inspired by how you use your Gifts. Renee
Andy Kerner
April 22, 2010 08:57 AM
TMAC - Great Journey today! Using the "lost child" analogy is very helpful -- I wonder if there is a "parent of a lost child" analogy in there somewhere, too! Awesome.
Brett
April 22, 2010 11:15 AM
Tawn Tawn - thanks for the encouragement on a familiar verse yet hard to believe sometimes. Love seeing your smiling face this morning. Can't wait to see Sloan and baby Nixon riding with Grandmother.
Robin Howard
April 22, 2010 11:44 AM
Hey sweet friend! Loved reading about God's amazing love for us in your words this morning! The central truth was beautifully said. Thank you for reminding us that is was the spiritual death of Christ or being separated from His Father that was the most painful and significant, dying in my stead for my sin!
Patricia Simmons
April 22, 2010 04:25 PM
Great word today, Tawney. I loved the comparison between separation from our parents as a child and our "chosen" separation from God through sin. You are a wise, wise woman!!! I know you are loving that grandbaby...it's the best, isn't it??
Page Young
April 22, 2010 06:56 PM
I don't want to ever be separated. Wow-- congrats on your new baby cowgirl. My brother-in-law was on a horse w/ Dad at 8 mo. Rode on his own 2ish.... So you don't have too long to wait,... Snuggies can be a great tool...feel the rhythm...xox Page
Todd Wagner
April 23, 2010 12:00 PM
Tawney...grateful to be riding through life with you...even if its a day late on the journey. Here's hoping that we can be on a trail with our spouses together soon and here's celebrating His kindness in allowing us to live and ride with/for Him.