Thursday, April 17, 2025
New Testament Reading Plan: Matthew 27:32-66
The mocking, the scourging, the nails driven through flesh, the agonizing pain of hanging from the cross, and even worse, the weight of all humanity’s sin on his heart—Jesus endured the most excruciating execution ever.
During the tortuous journey to his crucifixion, some must have taken pity on Jesus and offered him a drink to help numb his suffering.
Matthew 27:34
The soldiers gave Jesus wine mixed with bitter gall, but when he had tasted it, he refused to drink it.
Jesus refused to numb his pain. He chose to experience every moment of unfathomable suffering for us, because he knew that it was the only way to restore our relationship with God.
This is how much Jesus loves us.
All he asks in return is for us to stand firm as we wake up every morning and do one thing … follow him in obedience and faith.
If you combined every challenge I've ever faced, it would still pale in comparison to what Jesus went through for me. Yet, over the years, I have repeatedly found myself hanging on to anger and resentment, complaining, whining, and wanting more. Unlike Jesus who took on God's yoke to ease his pain, I took the bitter gall to dull mine (Matthew 11:28-30).
Pain alerts us to problems we might not otherwise know we have. As I’ve aged and learned from the experiences God has allowed into my life, I have slowly but surely released the bitterness of this earth. I have wasted enough time placing my trials first.
It is time to place God first (Proverbs 3:6)! The Good News is that God forgives us over and over when we fall into old habits.
As we decrease and he increases (John 3:30), we can wake up each day thanking God for the opportunity to glorify him as he shows us how to use each day’s grace (Ephesians 2:8, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Matthew 6:34). That is how we live lives that honor him.
Questions:
Are you able to see the benefit of the pain you’ve experienced from past challenges you have faced?
What bitter gall have you chosen to drink in the past, or are choosing to drink now, to dull your pain?
Next Steps:
Pain alerts us to problems we might not otherwise know we have. Write down what is causing you pain and then give it to God—give him your yoke and take his yoke upon yourself as you surrender your pain to him. Choose to purposefully access the peace Jesus left within you when you chose to believe, so that your belief will lead to deepened faith (Hebrews 11:6).
Prayer: Psalm 23 – “A psalm of David.”
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.
2 He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3 He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.
4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.
5 You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.
6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.
Series Theme Verse:
Hebrews 4:15
This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.
This post was written by Linda Repka, a Whitehouse attendee, and a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.