No one was ever as isolated as Jesus on the cross. Though there were people on the ground at the foot of the cross, being lifted up in the air on that cross in wrenching pain for six hours is complete loneliness and isolation. What did Jesus do during this time?
- He prayed. “Father, into thy hands, I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46).
- He forgave. “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).
- He reached out. “Truly, I say to you, Today, you will be with me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43).
- He remembered his mother. “Woman, behold, your son” (John 19:26). To John, he says, “Behold your mother” (John 19:27).
- He quoted scripture. “Father, into thy hands…” is from Psalm 31:5. “My God, my God, why…” (Matt.27) is from Psalm 22.
- He stayed strong and showed the world his suffering. “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me” (Matt.27:46).
In isolation, we also can: pray fervently, offer forgiveness to any and all who have offended, use various means to reach and teach someone the gospel plan of salvation, draw near to our families, take time to meditate upon and memorize scripture, and be an example of faith, hope, and courage.–David
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