The Victor's Sacrifice

Rex Stump

READY

“It was nine o’clock in the morning when they crucified him . . . At noon, darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. Then at three o’clock, Jesus called out with a loud voice . . . Then Jesus uttered another loud cry and breathed his last.” — Mark 15:25

SET

I grew up playing football with my brothers and their friends in our big yard. I would throw the ball, catch the ball, and score touchdowns. When I started playing organized football in 7th grade, I was disappointed to be a lineman. But the fact that I weighed 175 pounds and was slower than molasses made sense for my coach to put me on the offensive line as a blocker.

For the next few years, my role was to block. I wanted to score, but it was too late—I was labeled a lineman, which would be my career role. I realized in my junior year that this role mattered. My role, as a competitor, was all about sacrifice. This sacrifice required me to get in between the ball and my opponent. I had to put myself in a position to take a hit and save my teammate from the blow. I began to understand the significance of personal sacrifice as it relates to a total team victory.

But there is One who made a greater sacrifice. There is One who got in between our spiritual opponent and us and took a blow to save us. His name is Jesus Christ, and His victory was the ultimate victory in all eternity!

Jesus was crucified at nine in the morning. The skies turned black from noon to 3:00 p.m., at which time Jesus declared, “It is finished,” and gave up His spirit. Jesus hung on the cross for you and me from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Do the math. Six hours Jesus hung on that cross for you and me. Six hours of pain and shame! It was the greatest sacrifice ever made, a demonstration of love and grace.

GO  

• Have you ever pondered the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross?  
• Like Jesus, are you willing to sacrifice for even those who don’t like you?

WORKOUT

Isaiah 53:5; Romans 3:24–26; Hebrews 9:13–15

OVERTIME

"Heavenly Father, thank You for the victorious sacrifice of Jesus. Show me today who I can help. Show me today someone I can help by showing Your love. Amen."