By Darrel Auvenshine
“They stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him.” – Matthew 27:28
Could there be a more intimate place than that of the crucifixion? There the Son of God, revealed, Emmanuel God with Us, fulfilling the Father’s plan for redeeming mankind to Himself. There He is stripped of His clothes and a scarlet robe placed upon Him. God Himself was there hanging, suffering on the cross, taking upon Himself the punishment for us all. “No greater love has anyone than this, that he lay down his life…”
This old Hymn so beautifully communicates this revelation of God. There we look upon the Savior, completely vulnerable and seen and there He is dying for us.
“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” – by Isaac Watts
“When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss and pour contempt on all my pride.
Forbid it, Lord that I should boast, save in the death of Christ my God.
All the vain things that charm me most. I sacrifice them to His blood.
See from His head, His hands, His feet. Sorrow and love flow mingled down.
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet? Or thorns compose so rich a crown.
Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were an offering far too small.
Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.”
Take time to read Matthew 27:11-66 and mediate on the intimate love of God revealed for you on the cross.