Stress Test Devotional May 4
May 04, 2024
LUKE 23:28-34 | 28 But Jesus turned to them and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. 29 For the days are surely
coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.’ 30 Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us’; and to the hills, ‘Cover us.’ 31 For if they do this when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?” 32 Two others also, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. 33 When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. 34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots to divide his clothing.
In this compelling scene, Jesus first stops as He carries the cross to Golgotha to warn those weeping at His suffering about the coming destruction of the city. It is absolutely incredible that someone who had been unfairly beaten, scourged, mocked, and humiliated; someone heading for one of the most painful deaths imaginable, would stop to warn others of a future disaster.
But we see a new view of the divine majesty here in these moments. Jesus did not teach love of enemies as a theoretical life stance, but as a radical attitude based on God’s love to His rebellious children. To say God loves us is to say God loves His enemies, and offers them His forgiveness and embrace. Jesus wept over Jerusalem because He felt pain, in abundance, for those who would choose, in indifference or hostility, to execute Him.
Who is the hardest person for you to love and forgive?
Pray for that person.
