May 14, 2026

Several years ago, at Champion Faith Center in Tacoma, Washington, I saw a graphic Passion of the Christ performance. Nails were pounded into flesh so realistically, I felt Christ’s pain, the sacrifice so ‘in my face’ I wept. Somehow, because we know the story, because we know how it ended, we don’t always understand the gravity, humiliation and pain involved. This production opted to show the brutal truth.

This crucifixion was ugly. Imagine the smells of sweat, blood, and a screaming throng of people. The crowd, clamoring for the Lamb’s blood, must have felt like the streets themselves shook with fury. Yet Jesus remained mostly silent.

Jesus’ voice has echoed from that cross for more than 2000 years. His sacrifice, so pure and freely given, is an act of love few can imagine being brave enough to give. I would think the more discerning in the crowd had second thoughts before those nails could even pierce His hands and feet. How does love look when it gives everything? I can only imagine.

Mercifully for Jesus, it ended more swiftly than usual. God’s anger shook that hill. The sky turned dark. The temple curtains tore from top to bottom. There they all stood, hundreds of people who had just done the most unrighteous thing ever, in the darkness, in the lengthening shadows, terrified by the smells and the silence. And yet, without that moment, without the sacrifice, without the fulfillment of centuries of prophecy, we would have no eternal Salvation today.

There is pure joy in following God, in reading, praying and seeking His will. Surrender your ego, fears and control. A gift beyond belief, redemption we do not deserve, an eternity we get to spend with Jesus and love beyond compare. Rejoice. He gave and we are forever grateful.

Dear Lord, we love You so much. I am sorry people turned on You. One day they threw coats in front of Your colt and then they shouted for You to be crucified. Humans are fickle, Lord. They are quick to believe rumors and gossip. We say we’d never have left you but Peter did. And Lord, Peter loved You greatly. Thank You for knowing we love You.

…this Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death. Acts 2:23