Lent Devotion – From the Cross to the Grave – Week 1
When Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.
Matthew 27:50
Willingly
After suffering on the cross for hours and enduring the punishment of God’s wrath to pay for sin, Jesus released his body to death. The hatred of the Jews and the cruelty of Rome did not take Jesus’ life; Scripture says Jesus “gave up” his spirit. Paul emphasizes Jesus’ willing attitude when he tells his readers that Jesus became “obedient to death—even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8).
When Jesus proclaimed, “It is finished” (John 19:30), he was announcing that he had completed God’s plan of salvation. His spiritual work was done. Now, Jesus’ loud cry would capture the attention of those watching his crucifixion and mark the end of his physical life. With a wordless cry of anguish, Jesus completed his time on earth and yielded to death. He would soon be raised in glory to prove his power over sin and death.
As is true today, what we see with our eyes is not always the whole story. Those standing near the cross must have thought this was the end. Why did God allow Jesus to die? What would they do without their Savior and teacher? Where could they turn for comfort and hope?
Death raises difficult questions.
In moments like this, we struggle to think that God could be working beyond what is happening in front of us. Our thoughts can be so trapped in pain that reason and understanding are not within our grasp. We strain to remember that God’s greatest desire is that we join him in heaven—an eternal, perfect realm of bliss and glory that he longs to share with us. God wants us to remember there is more.
The Bible tells us the whole story of what really happened when Jesus cried out and gave up his spirit. It starts by telling us that Satan waged a war of rebellion against God and drew the crown of God’s creation into sin. Death, sin, and eternal destruction owned humanity and ruled over the hearts and wills of all people. But God promised to send a Savior to pay for sin—and the moment God gave the promise, it was as good as done. This payment covered the sins of all people because God’s own Son paid the price. With sin paid for, forgiveness is ours!
Satan still skirmishes to keep souls from trusting in God’s gift of salvation, but our Savior finished his work and then gave up his life. That’s the full, eternal perspective of what really happened.
The voice that gave up its last cry was soon resurrected. Jesus returned, and his willing spirit is within us, urging us to trust in his payment for sin; working through us to love others with his selfless, sacrificial love; and calling us to tell everyone we know about the peace of his forgiveness.
A loud cry.
A willing spirit.
An eternal victory.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, you are the Word of God made flesh, yet your life ended with a loud cry. Your birth and your death were marked by humility—devoid of any earthly fanfare. But you are worthy of all honor and glory. You changed the course of eternity and opened the gates of heaven to all believers. You willingly made the sacrifice to become a man, live in my stead, and die for my sin so I could receive your salvation. I praise you as my glorious and risen Redeemer. Strengthen me to willingly live for you, always trust in your payment for sin, and share your truth with others. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for being my Savior. Amen.
Written by Naomi Schmidt
