Luke 23:44-56
Dear RTB’ers,
Jesus’ Death on the Cross. Yesterday we saw Jesus crucified. Today we see Him die.
The Jesus Storybook Bible that we use at Avanza tells the story of Jesus’ crucifixion and death, in a somewhat softer tone – but no less impactful. Two items stand out to me from the JSB regarding today’s reading. First, there’s one line that the kids pick up on right away: “It wasn’t nails that kept Jesus there [on the cross]. It was love.” If I ask the question, I will get hands waving and shouts with the one-word answer: “LOVE!” Amazing!
The second item comes after the JSB has paraphrased Jesus’ words from Matthew 27:46, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” Here are their next two sentences: “And for the first time – and the last – when He spoke, nothing happened. Just a horrible, endless silence.” … nothing happened! His Father did not answer Him. Jesus, who spoke Creation into being. Jesus, who cast out demons. Jesus, who stilled the storm with His words – the wind and the waves obeying Him. But here, Jesus spoke and … nothing happened. What a horrible silence that must have been.
Note that the JSB adds “…and the last…” in their text. Never again will Jesus’ words come to naught. Never again. If He speaks, it’s done. Let’s listen…!
Blessings!