John 18:33-19:37

It is easy to forget.

It is even easier to ignore.

Who wants to dwell on such morbid thoughts?

After all, we live in new covenant freedom, love, joy!

Certainly, but at what price?

The disfigurement of his face by ceaseless blows.

His holy blood flung carelessly about during his flogging.

The shame, scorn, ridicule shoved into the flesh of his brow.

The space opened between muscle and bone in his hands and feet.

The cold metal forced into his side.

He could not ignore it. We should not ignore it.

The depths of his degradation reveal the heights of his love,

Each drop of blood the currency to buy back his bride,

Each wound wielding the weight of his sheer delight in

You…

Me…

Look into his eyes as red streams of life flow from his body,

And hear him say,

“This is worth it.”