Easy to say "how could they?"

Grace for the Moment today says,

Because of His Gift

"I want to know Christ and the power that raised him from the dead. I want to share in his sufferings and become like him in his death." Philippians 3:10

Trace the path of this Savior, the God who swapped heavenly royalty for earthly poverty. His bed became, at best, a borrowed pallet-- and usually the hard earth. He was dependent on handouts for his income. He was sometimes so hungry he would eat raw grain or pick fruit off a tree. He knew what it meant to have no home. He was ridiculed. His neighbors tried to lynch him. Some called him a lunatic. His family tried to confine him to their house. His friends weren't always faithful to him.

He was accused of a crime he never committed. Witnesses were hired to lie. The jury was rigged. A judge swayed by politics handed the death penalty.

They killed him.

And why? Because of the gift that only he could give.


After reading this, I was bit saddened and angry at all of "those people" back then who were "so mean" and "short sighted". How could "they" do these things to Jesus?

Then I realized. I am no different. I am selfish, swayed by getting ahead. I carry fear and insecurity that inhibits good judgement. I consider the teachings of Jesus too extreme to orient my life around. I confine him to certain areas of my life. I miss out the message of freedom.

We have a part in contributing to the cycle of death and bondage.

He still offers us His Gift... Grace... Forgiveness... Redemption...
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!