Just before Jesus breathes his last, he quotes the Psalmist, “Into your hands, I commit my spirit.” This Psalm is one that extols the goodness of God; speaking of God’s refuge, protection and salvation. What a curious thing. Jesus, at the point of his death after enduring torture and hours on the cross conjures words that point to that? Perhaps there is something worth meditating on here as Jesus, even at death, shows his total trust in God.

Click here to access resources for supporting immigrants: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1G9suVgJsS8X6TdH6ec2TBRKTz3dCqzQ2dPzUor4TKHc/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.ejsud9n02yg8

Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hpp

Jesus is nailed to the execution stake where passersby hurl insults at him and mock him. Crucifixion was not just the most horrifc forms of execution ever created, it was designed to be humiliating as well. This is why crucifixions were such public affairs. For those who wanted Jesus dead all along, they now had the chance to watch this man - who seemingly attempted to upset the prevailing order – die. But for some reason that was not enough. So they mocked him, laughing in the midst of his suffering.

But in the midst of it all, the writer is whispering to us that it is precisely because he is king, because he will rebuild the temple, because he refused to save himself that he is saving others – these are the very reasons he stayed on that cross. This, proclaims the crucified Christ, is what the love of God looks like.

Click here to access resources for supporting immigrants: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1G9suVgJsS8X6TdH6ec2TBRKTz3dCqzQ2dPzUor4TKHc/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.ejsud9n02yg8

Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hpp

From the moment Jesus stands in front of Pilate things feel quick and chaotic. Three somewhat significant charges are brought against Jesus. He’s subversive, opposes paying taxes and claims to be a king. Pilate does little to address the situation and passes him off to Herod Antipas. Herod Antipas seemingly does less after a brief conversation and sends him back to Pilate. Pilate then tries to rid himself of the trouble by attempting to release him. But nothing seems to work. In the midst of all this, the chief priests are demanding he be put to death.

What seems to be happening here is an intensely political situation. People vying for power, working to ensure they can hold on to what they have and not upset anyone they rule over in order to keep the peace (and their position). And in the midst of all this, right there in the center, stands Jesus. One who barely speaks; one who knows something about power that they all miss. That power is not found by grabbing it, maneuvering for it or contesting for it, rather it is found in giving oneself for others.

Click here to access resources for supporting immigrants: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1G9suVgJsS8X6TdH6ec2TBRKTz3dCqzQ2dPzUor4TKHc/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.ejsud9n02yg8

Thank you for joining us today! If you feel led to give to DCC, you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/denverchurch?src=hpp