In Summary: During this Easter, let’s take time to open Jesus’ other divine gifts to us beyond the Cross ,such as, the nails, the crown of thorns, the garments taken by the soldiers,a  wine-soaked sponge, and two crosses beside Christ? And earlier, in the Garden of Gethsemane, we see an agonizing, straining, and struggling Jesus. We see a “man of sorrows.” We see a man struggling with fear, wrestling with commitments, and yearning for relief.  God was never more human than at this hour. Perchance, if you listen mindfully, you will hear Him whisper, “I did it just for you!”

Gift of the Cross--Much has been said about Jesus’ “gift of the Cross.” But what of the other gifts? What of the nails, the crown of thorns? The garments taken by the soldiers? Have you taken time to open these gifts? He didn’t have to give us these gifts, you know. The only required act for our salvation was the shedding of blood, yet He did much more. So much more.

Search the scene of the Cross—and what do you find? A wine-soaked sponge. A sign. Two crosses beside Christ. Divine gifts intended to stir that moment, that split second when your face will brighten, your eyes will widen, and God will hear you whisper, “You did this for me?” Dare we think such thoughts?

Today, let’s unwrap these gifts of grace– as if for the first time. Pause and listen. Perchance, if you listen mindfully,   you will hear Him whisper, “I did it just for you!”

In the Garden of Gethsemane--And earlier, when Jesus is seen agonizing in the Garden of Gethsemane, the scene is very simple; you’ll recognize it quickly. A grove of twisted olive trees. Ground cluttered with large rocks. A low stone fence. A dark, dark night . . . See that solitary figure? . . . flat on the ground. Face stained with dirt and tears. Fists pounding the hard earth. Eyes wide with a stupor of fear. Hair matted with salty sweat. Is that blood on his forehead? That’s Jesus.

Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. . . We see an agonizing, straining, and struggling Jesus. We see a “man of sorrows.” We see a man struggling with fear, wrestling with commitments, and yearning for relief. Seeing God like this does wonders for our own suffering. God was never more human than at this hour.

God was never nearer to us than when he hurt. The Incarnation was never so fulfilled as in the garden of Gethsemane.

ISAIAH 53:3--He is despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.   

Source of Photos, Images, & Pictures of Jesus’ crucifixion: Shutterstock, Inc., 2003-2016.

Source of Pictures and Images of Jesus Praying In The Garden Of Gethsemane: Getty Images, 1999-2016.