5 Day Devotionals
Journey to the Cross – Week 6
Day 1: When Darkness Falls
Scripture: Luke 23:44-45; Matthew 27:45-46
Reflection:
At noon, the brightest part of the day, supernatural darkness covered the land. This wasn’t an eclipse or natural phenomenon—this was God stepping into the moment. The darkness that fell over Egypt in judgment, the darkness at Mount Sinai where God’s presence dwelt, now fell again. But this time, judgment wasn’t falling on a nation—it was falling on Jesus.
In that darkness, Jesus cried out, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” This wasn’t confusion; it was substitution. Isaiah 53:5 prophesied it: “He was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace.”
The weight of all human sin—past, present, and future—pressed down on Christ. Not just physical agony, but spiritual torment beyond our comprehension. He bore what we deserved so we could receive what we don’t deserve.
Question for Reflection:
Why do we treat sin so casually when it cost Jesus so completely? If this is what sin required, how should that change how we view our own struggles with sin?
Prayer:
Father, help me see sin the way You see it—not as a minor mistake, but as something so serious it required the death of Your Son. Thank You, Jesus, for bearing the darkness I deserved. Help me live in the light of what You’ve done. Amen.
Day 2: The Curtain Torn
Scripture: Luke 23:45; Matthew 27:51; Hebrews 10:19-22
Reflection:
At the exact moment Jesus died, something magnificent happened in the temple. The massive curtain—60 feet tall, several inches thick—that separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. This wasn’t human hands; this was God’s hand.
For centuries, that curtain represented separation. Only the high priest could enter God’s presence, once a year, with the blood of sacrifice. But when Jesus breathed His last and declared “It is finished” (tetelestai—paid in full), that barrier was destroyed forever.
Every sacrifice in Leviticus, every Day of Atonement ritual, the entire priestly system—all of it pointed to this moment. The work of redemption was complete. The door to God’s presence swung wide open.
Question for Reflection:
Are you still living like the curtain is up? Do you approach God timidly, as if you need to earn access, or boldly, knowing the door is open because of what Jesus has done?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You that I don’t have to knock anymore—the door is open. Help me stop acting like You’re distant. You are near. You are accessible. Because of Jesus, I can come boldly into Your presence. Teach me to live in that freedom. Amen.
Day 3: Surrender in Trust
Scripture: Luke 23:46; Psalm 31:5; John 10:17-18
Reflection:
Jesus’ final words from the cross were a prayer Jewish children were taught before sleep: “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.” Even in death, He called God “Father.” Even in suffering, He trusted completely.
Notice what Jesus didn’t say: “I am finished.” He said, “It is finished.” The work was done. The mission was complete. And then, in an act of ultimate trust, He surrendered His spirit—not because someone took it from Him, but because He willingly gave it.
Real trust isn’t proven in comfort. It’s proven in surrender. Jesus shows us what it looks like to trust God in the darkest moment, when everything seems lost, when the pain is unbearable. He trusted the Father’s plan even when He couldn’t see past the cross.
Question for Reflection:
What are you still holding onto and not letting go? Where in your life do you need to pray, “Father, into Your hands I commit…”? What would complete surrender look like for you today?
Prayer:
Jesus, You trusted the Father completely, even unto death. I confess I often hold back, trying to control outcomes I was never meant to control. Help me surrender—my plans, my fears, my future—into Your hands. Teach me to trust You in every moment. Amen.
Day 4: The Cross Demands a Response
Scripture: Luke 23:47-49; Matthew 27:54
Reflection:
Three crosses stood on that hill, and three different responses emerged at the cross of redemption. The Roman centurion—a hardened soldier used to executions—praised God and proclaimed, “Certainly this man was innocent! Truly this was the Son of God.” The crowd beat their chests, overwhelmed with conviction. The followers stood at a distance, watching.
Same cross. Different responses.
Two thousand years later, nothing has changed. The cross still divides. You don’t stay neutral. Some people admire Jesus. Some feel emotional about Him. But not everyone surrenders to Him. You either move toward Jesus, or you stay at a distance.
The question isn’t whether you know about Jesus or feel something about what He did. The question is: Have you surrendered to Him?
Question for Reflection:
Where are you in relation to the cross? Up close in surrender, or keeping your distance? What’s holding you back from fully giving your life to Jesus?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I don’t want to just admire You from a distance or feel emotional about Your sacrifice. I want to surrender completely. Show me what’s holding me back. Give me the courage to step forward, even when I know what it might cost. I choose You today. Amen.
Day 5: Costly Devotion
Scripture: Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42; Isaiah 53:9
Reflection:
Joseph of Arimathea had been a secret disciple, a member of the very council that condemned Jesus. But after the cross, he was secret no more. He boldly asked Pilate for Jesus’ body, knowing it could cost him everything—his position, his reputation, his wealth. He gave Jesus a proper burial in his own new tomb, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy that the Messiah would be buried with the rich.
Nicodemus joined him with 75 pounds of expensive spices. The women followed, preparing more spices, remaining faithful even in grief. This is what devotion looks like on the road to redemption: not convenient, but costly. Not hidden, but visible.
It’s easy to follow Jesus when it costs nothing. But what about when it costs your reputation? Your comfort? Your finances? Your control? Joseph stepped forward when others stepped back.
Question for Reflection:
What has following Jesus cost you? What might He be asking you to give up or step into that feels costly? Are you willing to move from secret faith to visible devotion?
Prayer:
Father, following You cost Joseph everything, and he counted it worth it. Help me see that nothing I give up for You compares to what You gave up for me. Give me courage to step forward in costly devotion, to follow You openly, no matter what it costs. You are worth it all. Amen.
Closing Thought:
The Road to Redemption leads straight to and through the cross. Jesus paid the price. The curtain is torn. The door is open. The question is: What will you do with Jesus? Come as you are. He’s already paid the price.