The Atonement
The following Holy Week devotion provides Scriptural texts we can meditate on as a church congregation, in concert with the sermon series each week, to gain a deeper understanding of our sin, a closer look at the beauty of Christ, and the power of the Gospel that saves and redeems.
Scripture
33At the sixth hour darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. 34And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?”—which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” 35When some of those standing near heard this, they said, “Listen, he’s calling Elijah.” 36One man ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to take him down,” he said. 37With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. 38The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 39And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard his cry and saw how he died, he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!” 40Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome.
Meditate
Take a few moments to quietly reflect on this truth.
Like the Centurion, take an extended moment to fix your eyes on Jesus. You can’t save yourself. Look at how Jesus covers over your deepest sense of guilt, failure, and shame as he faced the darkness and God’s wrath. Trust that your deepest longings are satisfied in Him, now that the curtain separating us from God’s presence is torn in two. Favor with the Author of Life is restored.
Pray
Speak this prayer, allowing the Holy Spirit to work in your heart and mind.
Lord Jesus, thank you for taking up the cross to die for us. Forgive us for all of the ways we think we can save ourselves. We cling to so many different things in life to cover us, protect us, and satisfy us. To let go feels like a death, yet all of these things fall short and lead to a true destruction. Help us see the beauty of the cross—that you first died that we may live. Help us trust in you, so that we can find a true life beyond anything we can make for ourselves.
Apply
Consider specific ways you can live out this truth today.
Continue in meditation: examine what you look to for worth, security, and pleasure. Think through ways you can let these things go. Share with other brothers and sisters who will point you to the atonement we have in Jesus.
Memorize
Carry this truth with you throughout your day.
25For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.
