the sacrifice

Jesus' sacrifice was

so complete,

so final.

His suffering so cruel,

unthinkable

because our sin is so vast.

My sin so vast.

"but it was our sins that did

that to him, that ripped and tore and crushed.

He took the punishment that made us whole.

through his bruises, we get healed...." (adapted, Isaiah 53:1-6, message)

"Jesus knew pain first hand."

and that revelations changes everything.

For what disappointment, what loss, what struggle, what evil do we face that

Jesus hasn't already met, defeated, conquered?

Sin costs.

A sacrifice must be made.

A debt must be paid.

"..it is blood given in exchange for a life that makes purification possible" Lev. 17:11

Jesus came, not as a warrior, not as a master, not as a King, but as a servant.

A servant passed over, looked down on, taken for granted. A servant.

And to serve is the greatest work of all.

To serve even when others don't see, recognize, appreciate, acknowledge.

Even when no one is watching, looking, affirming, or encouraging.

Even when more hate is fueled, and sin rules, and evil overcomes.

Even then.

Especially then.