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Sufferings of Christ
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throng began to withdraw and grope their way in the darkness to
the city. They smote upon their breasts as they went and in terror,
speaking scarcely above a whisper, said among themselves: “It is an
innocent person that has been murdered. What if, indeed, He is, as
He asserted, the Son of God?”
Jesus did not yield up His life till He had accomplished the work
which He came to do, and exclaimed with His departing breath: “It
is finished.” Satan was then defeated. He knew that his kingdom
was lost. Angels rejoiced as the words were uttered: “It is finished.”
The great plan of redemption, which was dependent on the death of
Christ, had been thus far carried out. And there was joy in heaven
that the sons of Adam could, through a life of obedience, be finally
exalted to the throne of God. Oh, what love! What amazing love!
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that brought the Son of God to earth to be made sin for us, that we
might be reconciled to God, and elevated to a life with Him in His
mansions in glory. Oh, what is man, that such a price should be paid
for his redemption!
When men and women can more fully comprehend the magni-
tude of the great sacrifice which was made by the Majesty of heaven
in dying in man’s stead, then will the plan of salvation be magnified,
and reflections of Calvary will awaken tender, sacred, and lively
emotions in the Christian’s heart. Praises to God and the Lamb
will be in their hearts and upon their lips. Pride and self-esteem
cannot flourish in the hearts that keep fresh in memory the scenes
of Calvary. This world will appear of but little value to those who
appreciate the great price of man’s redemption, the precious blood of
God’s dear Son. All the riches of the world are not of sufficient value
to redeem one perishing soul. Who can measure the love Christ felt
for a lost world as He hung upon the cross, suffering for the sins of
guilty men? This love was immeasurable, infinite.
Christ has shown that His love was stronger than death. He
was accomplishing man’s salvation; and although He had the most
fearful conflict with the powers of darkness, yet, amid it all, His love
grew stronger and stronger. He endured the hiding of His Father’s
countenance, until He was led to exclaim in the bitterness of His
soul: “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?” His arm
brought salvation. The price was paid to purchase the redemption of