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Lent Day 41


Scripture Reading

John 12:27-38


This passage reminds us of the importance of the death of Christ while at the same time reminding us of the lack of belief in Jesus' day and ours. The crowd had witnessed several miracles, most recently hearing a voice from heaven (vs. 28-29). The crowd still refused to believe in Jesus and his coming kingdom. 


When we speak of the death of Christ we must understand that Christ's death was the way in which God chose to make peace between us and him. God could have chosen another way to restore our relationship with him but he did not. He chose to offer his son as a sacrifice, so that we might experience the wonder of a relationship with God. 


Jesus promised that through his being lifted up, meaning his death by crucifixion, that he would draw people to himself. The violence of the cross brings peace to all who desire to lose their life for Christ's sake and follow him. God has shown the world how much he loves us by sending his son to die for us. The question for each of us is "Are we going to believe in the miracle of the cross or will we fail to believe in Jesus just like the people of his day did?"


Prayer: Lord, help me to accept the miracle of the cross. Thank you for sending Jesus to die on the cross. I pray that you will continue to perform the miracle of salvation throughout your world. May you be lifted up for all the world to see. Amen.

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