Matthew 27:34-36
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
As we examine the passion of Jesus frame by frame, read Matthew 27:34-36 making an effort to stay connected to your reactions.
It almost seems as if Matthew can’t quite bring himself to write in detail about the events unfolding in this passage, so he gives us instead simple phrases that invite us to delve deeper.
Take each of the phrases in this passage and allow the Spirit of Jesus to lead you wherever you need to go today in your thoughts. Talk openly with Jesus throughout.
“The soldiers gave Jesus wine mixed with bitter gall, but when he had tasted it, he refused to drink it.”
Jesus chose not to numb the pain or blur his consciousness. He faced the cross fully present and alert.
“After they had nailed him to the cross…”
Jesus did not have to endure the humiliation and agony of crucifixion. He freely chose to bear the consequences of human rebellion. History tells us that crucifixion was a particularly heinous punishment reserved for the worst of criminals. In fact, our English word “excruciating” means literally “out of the cross.”
“…the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.”
This fulfilled the prophecy of David in Psalm 22:18, but it also highlights the fact that Jesus had nothing external to provide him with dignity in this moment.
“Then they sat around and kept guard as he hung there.”
Though all of Jesus’ disciples proclaimed that they would die for him, none of them even tried to come to his rescue. Jesus endured his horrific ordeal alone.
Take a moment to get still and let all of this sink in. Jesus, the perfect and sinless Son of God, experienced the most intense human suffering and the most profound poverty. He felt the sting of abandonment and he knows what it is to be vulnerable and alone.
There is no human pain with which he cannot identify.
What do you want to say to Jesus right now?
What do you sense Jesus saying to you today?
What will you do in response?
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