Joni Eareckson Tada:
“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5)
Every year around this time—right before Easter—a certain plant comes alive on my patio with bright, red blossoms. It is a Euphorbia milii, commonly known as “Crown of Thorns.” I always enjoy parking my wheelchair close to it to examine its delicate flowers, so thin, fragile, and brilliant with red color. But then, I take a moment and let my eyes linger on its huge, thick, nail-like thorns.
Tradition says this was the bush from which the Roman soldiers fashioned the thorny crown for Jesus. I don’t know if that’s true, but just gazing at the Crown of Thorns is a heartbreakingly vivid reminder of the pain and sacrifice our Savior endured on my behalf.
Watch my Good Friday message and join me today in carving out quiet time to reflect on the awful weight of Good Friday. Then, breathe a prayer of wonder and thanksgiving to our Savior for his gift of salvation.
