We Believe: Who Is Jesus Christ?Sýnishorn

SUFFERED and DIED

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

Palm Sunday must have been a great day. The crowds, the cheering, the waving of palm branches, the cries, “Hosanna! Praise God!” The people believed their long-awaited Messiah had come. Jesus was the One anointed by God to rescue them from Roman oppression. Surely this was the victorious, triumphal arrival of their true king!

No one was ready for the cross, not even His closest disciples though they should have been! He had told them clearly, on more than one occasion leading up to that day, that He had come to serve, that He had come to suffer, and that He must die. Just a few days after Jesus entered Jerusalem, He was hanging on a cross between two criminals. Cursed to die in agony, He was crushed by a punishment He did not deserve, yet freely received. Jesus really and truly died. And He did it for you.

Ask Yourself:

-John records Jesus’ final words on the cross- “it is finished” (John 19:30) and then sees the risen Savior, the living one (Revelation 1:17-18). What do Jesus’ words mean for you?

Pause to Pray: Let the words of Revelation 5:1-14 lead you to prayer and praise today.

“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!”

Weekly Challenge: Name the person/people God has laid on your heart to share the gospel with. Write their name on a post-it note and put it on your car steering wheel so you pray for them during your daily commute. Or set a daily alarm on your phone. Develop a habit of praying for them, asking God to give you words and ways to share His good news with them.