This is the reason for this Lenten season:
Matthew 20:17-19 (NIV)
Now Jesus was going up to Jerusalem. On the way, he took the Twelve aside and said to them, “We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!”
Good morning, Lord. I look forward to Easter, the celebration of Your resurrection. But without the crucifixion there would have been no resurrection. Sometimes my mind skips right over the betrayal, mockery, pain and suffering You experienced — for our sakes. Teach me to count the cost of my salvation. Fill me with gratitude.
