There is nothing more central to the Christian’s faith than the cross of Jesus. The cross was meant to be a punishment and a humiliation. Jesus changed that. The cross is a place of hope and beauty. It is the place where God gave His Son as a sacrifice to wash away our sin. It is a place of healing and restoration. The cross calls to our deepest need and exposes our greatest shame. The cross reconciles man to God, bringing us together in a relationship that transcends all others. At the cross, we are adopted into the family of God. We gain a new name and a new identity. Matthew 26-28 holds the story of the cross, and what can compare? Only the empty tomb. The promise of life and resurrection. The hope that only a risen Savior can bring. In Matthew 28:20, Jesus makes a promise to His people. “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Jesus promises to embed Himself in our hearts and minds. The glory of the cross and the power of the empty tomb still impact the world, and you.
1. In what ways do you experience the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise to be with you?
2. How does recognizing that Jesus is with you change the way you live?
3. What do you appreciate most about the cross?
4. How can you share the love that Jesus displayed on the cross with a friend this week?
| Date | Reading |
| February 12 | Matthew 26:14-30 |
| February 13 | Matthew 26:31-56 |
| February 14 | Matthew 26:57-75 |
| February 15 | Matthew 27:1–26 |
| February 16 | Matthew 27:27–44 |
| February 17 | Matthew 27:45–66 |
| February 18 | Matthew 28 |
| February 19 | Mark 1:1-20 |