Jesus the Innocent Sacrifice (Luke 23)

In the wake of horrible national tragedy, we turn our attention and hearts to Luke 23 (where by God's providence we are to continue in our study of this gospel). There are few answers for such senseless acts such as these. I will not attempt to offer a simple explanation for such devastating tragedy and sin. However, I will point your attention to God's Son & our Savior, Jesus Christ the Lord. In the Christmas story and the crucifixion story of Luke 23, we find a parallel story of history. One of a purely innocent life that was brutally massacred. One of a lost child. One of suffering and pain. However, this one is different than the story we saw unfold this week. This one is the story of our eternal Creator God, in flesh, giving himself in love for us - to take on our sin and become our substitute to forgive us, to save us, to redeem us, and to offer us life. This one is the story of necessary, not senseless, sacrifice. And this one grounds, shapes and gives hope for us in the midst of the most difficult of seasons like the one that unfolded this week. When we look at Jesus and the fact that He came, died, and rose again for you and me, we can know one thing is certain (even in uncertain times): God loves this world and God loves you. Turn to Him, treasure Him, and tell others of Him today.