friday.

today we're reading Luke 23:1-56.

read today's text

Something about the crucifixion story is such a weird pill to swallow. 
Knowing that I'm not any better than the disciples that betrayed Him that night. 
Knowing that I'm not any better than everyone in the crowd shouting 'Crucify Him'. 
Knowing that I'm not any better than Pilate who knew Jesus was blame-less, and yet allowed Him to die. 
​Knowing I'm not any better 
Knowing that most sinless person in the world endured the death I deserve. 
Knowing that although I wish it didn't have to be like this, it was in God's plan. 
And knowing He'd do it again in a heartbeat. 

I never knew such pain could be such a gain. 

I wonder what it was like. 
After condemning Jesus to death and watching Him die, witnessing the events after His death. 
The temple curtain being torn in two. 
The earth being in complete darkness for three hours in the middle of the day. 
The dead walking among them.
The world without their King. 
I wonder what it was like thinking that this was the end when in reality:

This was only the beginning.

The good thing about reading this story some 2000 years later is that we know the end of the story. But imagine if you didn't know the end. 
Imagine if today was the loss of your Savior forever. 
The loss of your brother.
The loss of your friend. 
Thank God the story continues, because I like knowing the ending. 
I like knowing my Savior lives. 
But we can't accept the gift of eternal life without recognizing the cost. 
The greatest Friday ever.