John 19:1-3

Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. The soldiers also twisted together a crown of thorns, put it on his head, and clothed him in a purple robe. And they kept coming up to him and saying, “Hail, king of the Jews!” and were slapping his face.

Jesus exposed Himself to the brunt force of human violence and wickedness. His divinity did not spare him the pain of what he experienced in his physical body. He felt every blow, whip, thorn, and slap. He even felt the bite of every cutting word and mocking remark. He endured all of this and more as He made His way to greater suffering and humiliation on the cross.

Jesus, it’s hard for us to imagine the extent of suffering you endured in your body. It’s even harder to imagine why you endured it at all. Your Word says it was for us; for our forgiveness, our salvation, and our healing. Lord, we are humbled by your sacrifice. We’re overwhelmed by your love. Amen.

We are all made in God’s image. Who can you choose to love this week that may be different than you? Do your best to show everyone that all people are children of God.