Day 151

2 Samuel 17:1-29; John 19:23-42; Psalm 119:129-152; Proverbs 16:12-13

OUR READING FROM 2 Samuel today continued the difficult story of the coup Absalom attempted against his father, King David. Absalom had two experienced advisors to aid in implementing a new government and destroying those loyal to David. One of those advisors —Hushai —was secretly loyal to David and persuaded Absalom with sound advice that also saved David’s life.

In John’s Gospel, we faced the crucifixion of Jesus. A four-man execution crew (John 19:23) nailed Jesus to a cross and suspended His agonized body between heaven and earth for all to see. They then divided His clothing among themselves and callously threw dice for His robe.

Jesus’ mother was present, and what agony of heart she must have endured. Mary had given birth to Jesus, and now she helplessly watched Him die —but she did not abandon Him. And even in His agony, Jesus did not abandon her. He commissioned His beloved disciple to care for and protect her, as John would his own mother.

With his final breath, Jesus spoke: “It is finished!” (John 19:30). Then His human heart ceased to beat.

Because Sabbath would begin at sundown and no one wanted bodies left hanging until the following evening, the Romans broke the legs of the two criminals executed alongside Jesus. This prevented them from supporting their bodies, and they soon died of asphyxiation. Jesus was already dead, but to ensure this, a soldier dealt Him a mortal blow with a spear. Blood and water poured from the wound.

In a rush to lay Jesus’ body to rest before Sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea approached Pilate and asked to take possession of Jesus’ corpse. Nicodemus accompanied Joseph to the cross, bringing about seventy-five pounds of spices and ointments, and together, they wrapped Jesus’ lifeless body for burial. Because time was short and no work could be done on the Sabbath, Jesus’ body was placed in a newly hewn tomb near the spot where He died. The final place of entombment would have to wait until the Sabbath day was over. But, of course, Jesus wouldn’t need a final resting place.

This is how we end our reading from the Gospel of John for May. I invite you to close this month by allowing your imagination to carry you through the dusty miles of ministry with Jesus. Imagine His kindness and smile. Imagine His playfulness with the children He blessed. See what light in a world of darkness looks like. And then return to the cross, where we starkly see what darkness is capable of.

Jesus’ death was unjust and horrific. But the horror of it became a flash point that shifted the entire world. His death is why we are here right now. It is why there is hope. Take time as we end the month of May to contemplate what it cost Jesus so that you might live.

PRAYER:

The teaching of your word gives light, so even the simple can understand. I pant with expectation, longing for your commands. Come and show me your mercy, as you do for all who love your name. Guide my steps by your word, so I will not be overcome by evil.