The road to the cross is a picture of how Jesus journeyed his final week on earth before his death.  It included a triumphant entry into Jerusalem, a time of teaching, serving, and a last supper with His disciples.  It includes his prayers, betrayal, and arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane.  It includes the false accusations and many trials before Pilate and religious leaders.  It included the beatings, scourging, mocking, and brutal abuse.  It included a time of pain, embarrassment, sorrow, and confusion.  The road to the cross was not an easy journey.
 
The road to the cross is humbling, setting aside our personal rights, and obediently following God’s instructions.
 
The road to the cross was a time of forgiveness.  Jesus forgave His disciples for running away in the garden when He was arrested.  Jesus forgave Peter for denying Him three times.  Jesus forgave Judas for betraying Him.  Jesus forgave the religious leaders, Roman soldiers, and those who cursed and beat Him as He proclaimed on the cross, “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do!”  
 
Jesus lived out forgiveness, just as He taught us to forgive.  
 
The road we journey on is never easy, but learn a lesson from our Savior to forgive those who make our journey unbearable.  Never easy.  But always right.  That is forgiveness.

 Ephesians 4:32, “Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”

“We are most like beasts, when we kill. We are most like men when we judge. We are most like God when we forgive.” William Ward
 
“Forgiveness is surrendering my right to hurt you for hurting me.” Archibald Hart
 
Today as we journey, let’s remember that the road to the cross included forgiveness.
 
God bless you as you faithfully follow Him.
 
Pastor Rex
 
 
Tonight (Wednesday, April 1) families are invited to come anytime starting at 6:30pm and ending at 8:00pm to participate in the ‘Road to the Cross’. The Ministry Center is being transformed so that families can reflect on the events leading up to Jesus’ death and resurrection. Starting at 6:30 pm stations will be set up for families to travel through as they arrive. There will be clips shown from the movie the Passion in the Tupos room, and there will be activities available for children too young to participate as well. We hope to see you all tonight!