Embracing the Cross: Love, Suffering, and Transformation

Devotional

Day 1: The Cross: The Ultimate Demonstration of God’s Love

On Good Friday, we remember that Jesus willingly took our place on the cross, enduring unimaginable suffering and shame so that we might be forgiven and reconciled to God. The cross, once a symbol of death and punishment, has become the greatest sign of love and hope because Jesus bore the weight of our sins and offered Himself as a sacrifice for us. This act of love calls us to reflect deeply on the cost of our salvation and the depth of God’s mercy toward us. [05:20]

Mark 15:1-47 (ESV)
And as soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council. And they bound Jesus and led him away and delivered him over to Pilate. And Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” And he answered him, “You have said so.” And the chief priests accused him of many things. And Pilate again asked him, “Have you no answer to make? See how many charges they bring against you.” But Jesus made no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed.
Now at the feast he used to release for them one prisoner for whom they asked. And among the rebels in prison, who had committed murder in the insurrection, there was a man called Barabbas. And the crowd came up and began to ask Pilate to do as he usually did for them. And he answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” For he perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release for them Barabbas instead. And Pilate again said to them, “Then what shall I do with the man you call the King of the Jews?” And they cried out again, “Crucify him.” And Pilate said to them, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him.” So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.
And the soldiers led him away inside the palace (that is, the governor’s headquarters), and they called together the whole battalion. And they clothed him in a purple cloak, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on him. And they began to salute him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they were striking his head with a reed and spitting on him and kneeling down in homage to him. And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. And they led him out to crucify him.
And they compelled a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross. And they brought him to the place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull). And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. And they crucified him and divided his garments among them, casting lots for them, to decide what each should take. And it was the third hour when they crucified him. And the inscription of the charge against him read, “The King of the Jews.” And with him they crucified two robbers, one on his right and one on his left. And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself, and come down from the cross!” So also the chief priests with the scribes mocked him to one another, saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also reviled him.
And when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” And some of the bystanders hearing it said, “Behold, he is calling Elijah.” And someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink, saying, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down.” And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”
There were also women looking on from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. When he was in Galilee, they followed him and ministered to him, and there were also many other women who came up with him to Jerusalem.
And when evening had come, since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the Sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Pilate was surprised to hear that he should have already died. And summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he was already dead. And when he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the corpse to Joseph. And Joseph bought a linen shroud, and taking him down, wrapped him in the linen shroud and laid him in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock. And he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid.

Reflection: As you remember the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus, what specific area of your life do you need to surrender to Him in gratitude for His love today?

Day 2: Our Sin: The Reason for the Cross

Each person present at the crucifixion—whether mocking, indifferent, or grieving—represents the reality that all humanity, through sin, played a part in Jesus’ suffering. It is not just the people of the past, but our own sins that placed Him on the cross. Yet, in His love, Jesus bore the weight of our failures, offering forgiveness and a new beginning to all who believe. [12:05]

Isaiah 53:4-6 (ESV)
Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows;
yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions;
he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
and with his wounds we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have turned—every one—to his own way;
and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Reflection: In what practical way can you acknowledge your own part in Christ’s suffering and receive His forgiveness afresh today?

Day 3: Be His Comfort, Not His Sorrow

Just as some at the cross brought comfort to Jesus—like John, the faithful women, and Joseph of Arimathea—so too are we called to live as His comfort, not His sorrow. Our faithfulness, courage, and love in following Jesus, even when it is costly, bring joy to His heart and honor His sacrifice. [23:28]

John 19:25-27 (ESV)
But standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.

Reflection: Who in your life needs to see the comfort and love of Christ through your actions today, and how can you intentionally show it?

Day 4: Suffering for Christ: Sharing in His Cross

To follow Jesus means to endure criticism, hardship, and even suffering for His sake. When we stand firm in our faith, maintain integrity, and love in the face of opposition, we share in Christ’s sufferings and become living testimonies of His righteousness and grace. [30:27]

1 Peter 4:12-14 (ESV)
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.

Reflection: What is one area where you are facing opposition or criticism for your faith, and how can you respond with Christlike integrity and love today?

Day 5: God Transforms Suffering into Eternal Glory

God can turn the greatest tragedy into the most beautiful reality, just as He transformed the cross from a symbol of shame into one of hope and love. Our relationships in Christ, our character, our ministry, and our sacrifices for Him are what will last forever—He uses even our pain to shape us for eternity. [33:12]

Romans 8:28-29 (ESV)
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

Reflection: How can you trust God to use your current struggles or sacrifices for His greater purpose, and what step of faith can you take today to surrender them to Him?

Sermon Summary

Tonight, we gather to remember the depth of Christ’s love displayed on Good Friday. The cross, a symbol of suffering and shame, became the greatest demonstration of God’s love for us. Jesus willingly took our place, enduring unimaginable pain and humiliation, not just physically but also emotionally, as He was mocked and rejected by those He came to save. The question that echoes through history is, “Were you there?”—not just as a bystander, but as one whose sins made the cross necessary. Each of us, by our sin, participated in the crucifixion, yet through faith, we are also invited to participate in the hope and new life that flows from it.

The story of the crucifixion is filled with many characters—religious leaders, soldiers, bystanders, and a few faithful followers. Some mocked, some wept, some acted out of love and courage, like John, the women at the cross, and Joseph of Arimathea. Their presence brought comfort to Jesus in His darkest hour. Today, the same question comes to us: Are we His comfort or His sorrow? Do we live out our faith with integrity, or do we merely act the part? The call is not to a comfortable or easy faith, but to one that is willing to endure criticism, suffering, and even loss for the sake of Christ.

God can transform the worst tragedies into the most beautiful realities. The cross, once a tool of execution, is now a symbol of love and victory. In the same way, our suffering, when endured for Christ, becomes part of something eternal. Four things last forever: our relationships in Christ, our character and spirituality, the ministry God calls us to, and the suffering we endure for Him. God is more interested in shaping our character than in making our lives easy. The ultimate question remains: Do you love Him? Will you be His comfort, living out your faith with courage and authenticity, or will you bring Him sorrow by living a life of compromise? Let us respond to His love, not by breaking His heart again, but by being His comfort, His glory, and true witnesses of His grace.

Key Takeaways

1. The Cross Reveals the Depth of God’s Love and Our Need for Grace The cross was not just a historical event but a personal act of love for each of us. Jesus endured unimaginable suffering, not only physically but also emotionally, as He was rejected by those He came to save. Our sins placed Him there, yet His love covers our shame and offers us forgiveness. This reality calls us to humility and gratitude, recognizing our deep need for His grace. [05:20]
2. Faithfulness Means Enduring Criticism and Suffering for Christ Following Jesus is not about comfort or popularity; it is about carrying our own cross daily. Just as Jesus faced hostility and mockery, we too will face opposition when we live out our faith authentically. The world may misunderstand or even attack us, but the most powerful testimony is to respond with righteousness and love, showing that Christ truly lives in us. [26:07]
3. Our Lives Can Bring Comfort or Sorrow to Christ Among the many at the cross, only a few brought comfort to Jesus—John, the faithful women, and Joseph of Arimathea. Today, our actions and faithfulness can either comfort or grieve the heart of Christ. We are called to live with integrity, not just acting like Christians, but truly embodying the love, courage, and faith that honors Him. [23:28]
4. God Transforms Suffering into Eternal Significance God often allows things He hates to accomplish things He loves. The cross, once a symbol of shame, became the greatest symbol of hope. In the same way, our suffering for Christ—whether through criticism, loss, or sacrifice—becomes part of God’s eternal story. What we endure for Him is never wasted but is transformed into something beautiful and lasting. [29:09]
5. Four Things Last Forever: Relationships, Character, Ministry, and Suffering for Christ Earthly possessions and achievements fade, but our relationships in Christ, our spiritual character, the ministry God entrusts to us, and the suffering we endure for His sake are eternal. God is more interested in who we become than in our comfort. Let us invest in what lasts, allowing God to shape us into the likeness of Christ and to use our lives for His glory.

** [32:15]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[03:12] - Why Good Friday? The Meaning Behind the Name
[05:20] - Were You There? The Weight of the Cross
[08:25] - The People and Tools at the Crucifixion
[09:36] - The Suffering of Jesus: Physical and Emotional
[10:18] - The Impact of Christ’s Sacrifice on All
[12:05] - Theological Significance: Our Sins on the Cross
[13:21] - The State of the Church and Christian Weakness
[16:06] - Walking the Road to Golgotha: Acting or Living Faith?
[17:36] - Hurting or Comforting Jesus: Our Daily Choices
[21:24] - The Faithful Few: John, the Women, and Joseph
[23:28] - Joseph’s Courage and Love for Jesus
[26:07] - Enduring Criticism and Suffering for Christ
[29:09] - God’s Purpose in Suffering and Transformation
[32:15] - Four Things That Last Forever
[35:55] - Do You Love Him? Responding to Christ’s Love
[38:06] - Don’t Give Up: Living as Christ’s Comfort
[40:15] - Repentance, Restoration, and Commitment
[44:11] - Prayer and Response
[48:48] - Closing and Blessing

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

Who were some of the people present at the crucifixion of Jesus according to Mark 15? What roles did they play? ([05:20])
What kinds of suffering did Jesus endure on the cross, both physically and emotionally? ([09:36])
In the sermon, which individuals are mentioned as bringing comfort to Jesus during His crucifixion? ([21:24])
According to the sermon, what are the four things that last forever? ([32:15])

Interpretation Questions

The sermon says that “our sins placed Him there.” What does it mean for us personally to recognize our part in the crucifixion? ([12:05])
Why do you think only a few people, like John, the women, and Joseph of Arimathea, stayed close to Jesus at the cross? What does their presence say about faithfulness? ([21:24])
The pastor said, “God often allows things He hates to accomplish things He loves.” How does the cross show this truth? ([29:09])
The sermon challenges us to consider if we are Jesus’ comfort or His sorrow. What does it look like in daily life to bring comfort to Jesus? ([23:28])

Application Questions

The cross reveals the depth of God’s love and our need for grace. When was the last time you truly felt humbled or grateful for Jesus’ sacrifice? How can you remind yourself of this daily? ([05:20])
The sermon says following Jesus means enduring criticism and suffering. Have you ever faced criticism or loss because of your faith? How did you respond, and what would you do differently now? ([26:07])
Think about your daily choices—are there ways you might be bringing sorrow to Jesus instead of comfort? What is one specific area where you want to live with more integrity? ([23:28])
The pastor mentioned that God transforms suffering into something beautiful and lasting. Is there a current struggle or pain in your life that you can surrender to God, trusting Him to use it for good? ([29:09])
Of the four things that last forever—relationships in Christ, character, ministry, and suffering for Christ—which one do you feel God is calling you to invest in more right now? What is a practical step you can take this week? ([32:15])
The sermon asks, “Do you love Him?” How would you answer that question honestly today? What is one way you can show your love for Jesus this week? ([35:55])
The pastor encouraged the church not to give up, even when it’s hard. Is there an area in your faith or ministry where you feel like giving up? What encouragement from the sermon can help you keep going? ([38:06])

Sermon Clips

If God can turn the ugliest cross 2 ,000 years ago, become the beautiful symbol, the symbol of love, today, he can turn all your weaknesses, he can wipe up all your same, he can change you. What you need is just to come, draw near to him, and surrender yourself to him. [00:29:36] (35 seconds) Edit Clip

Sometimes God Allows The things that He hates To happen To happen in order to accomplish the things that he loved. What in life is full of challenges, it doesn't have to be painful, but even if it is, remember that God can turn terrible tragedy into beautiful reality. [00:29:09] (28 seconds) Edit Clip

Were you there? Today, you are identifying with the crucifixion too, if you suffer because of Jesus and his gospel. When people tease you, when people mock you because of your faith, you were there. When you suffer because of others' fault and sin, not your own sin, for they are good, you suffer. You are there. When your status, your pride, your hope, all been smacked because you follow Jesus' teaching, you are there. When you suffer because of his body, when you suffer because of the church, when you suffer because you want to serve, and you have to pay the price, you are there. That is the moment that you are crucified with Jesus. [00:30:12] (67 seconds) Edit Clip

So even if you have suffering, you must remember that God has a purpose for your pain. He has a reason for your struggle and has a reward for your faithfulness. Because He loves you so much that He's willing. He's willing to sacrifice His life for you. And this is guaranteed. [00:37:48] (33 seconds) Edit Clip

Yet the most beautiful testimony Christian can make Is after all the hard pressings By the enemies By the secular world Even to the point of Crossing bones and marrows And the enemy will find That whatever left From within Is only But Righteousness Just like Jesus. [00:27:52] (33 seconds) Edit Clip

Your relationship with others in Christ will last forever. The church, the body of Christ, the fellowship of the saints, okay? Your brothers and sisters who are in Jesus Christ. We worship together, we pray together, we encourage one another. This relationship won't stop. It will continue even up in the heaven. [00:32:02] (36 seconds) Edit Clip

Your personal character and spirituality. Your money will gone, okay? Your property will gone, okay? Your memory will gone, okay? Your hair will gone like me. But your personal character and spirituality will last. And that is eternal. [00:32:39] (23 seconds) Edit Clip

And we know that through the crucifixion, God has granted us hope and faith and everlasting life. We just like Jesus that we know what is forever, what is everlasting. So he is able, he was able to carry the cross to finish the battle. And how about you? [00:31:20] (36 seconds) Edit Clip

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