Good morning – I hope it really is good for you. The soldiers took Jesus and put the crown of thorns on His head. They mocked Him, and then took Him out to be crucified. They found Simon to bear His cross. They gave Him wine to drink mingled with gall; after tasting it, He was unwilling to drink. This was like a sedative so He would not feel as much pain; but He would have none of that. When they had crucified Him, they divided up His clothes among themselves, casting lots. When we think of Jesus being crucified, we think of the entire long process – not just the nailing Him to the cross, and raising it into the air. They put up a sign – this is Jesus the king of the Jews. In another gospel, it has the religious leaders telling the governor that he should change it to Jesus said He was the king of the Jews. Two robbers were crucified with Him. The people standing by watching mocked Him, “ if You are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” “He is the king of Israel; let Him now come down from the cross, and we shall believe in Him. He trusts in God; let Him deliver Him now, if He takes pleasure in Him; for He said I am the Son of God.” These statements have all the elements of first John – all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father but from the world. These are the same areas in which the devil tempted Him in the wilderness. He resisted the temptations in that situation, and He resisted them in this situation! Father thank You that You care about the reader and his/her family. Make this a wonderful day for them!

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