THEY CRUCIFIED HIM

 

EVENING DEVOTION by James Smith

JUNE 14

 

Matthew 27:35

And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots:

that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet,

They parted my garments among them,

and upon my vesture did they cast lots.

 
The Father delivered him up, Judas betrayed him, and then they crucified him.
 
Let us consider the design of God in his death.
 
It was to satisfy the claims of justice, 

  to clear his holiness in the salvation of the people, 

  to display his wisdom, to manifest his mercy, 

  to put away our sins, and 

  to disclose the wonders of his love.
 
Let us notice what Jesus displayed when he was crucified.
 
Here we see his filial obedience to his Father, 

  his implicit trust in God, 

    his surprising patience under suffering, 

      his meek forgiving spirit, 

        his astonishing love to his people, and 

          his entire submission to the divine will.
 
Let us observe what man discovered in this transaction.
 
What base ingratitude!
 
What inexcusable cruelty!
 
What insulting pride!
 
What profound ignorance!
 
What fickle instability!
 
Judas show the power and tendency of covetousness.
 
The Pharisees, the envy and cruelty which lurks under self-righteousness.
 
Pilate, the effect of the fear of man.
 
His disciples, the weakness which may be found, in honest hearts.
 
Here, Jehovah is most clearly revealed.
 
The nature of sin is set forth.
 
Go to the cross to repent, to believe. It is—
 

The balm of life, the cure of woe,

The measure and the pledge of love:

The sinner’s refuge here below,

The angel’s theme in heaven above.

 
James Smith