April 4th: Sacrifice

It is better for one man to die for the people

John 11: 45 – 56

Today’s gospel introduces one of the main focuses for Lent, ‘sacrifice’, by setting into motion the plan that will allow Jesus to make the ultimate sacrifice. I have always thought the saying “It is better for one man to die to save hundreds” was cruel and that the person making such a decision must be the worst person on the planet.

However, in meditating on today’s Gospel passage, I was brought to the realization that the important part is who is making the decision. Although proclaimed by Caiaphas, Jesus chose to suffer and die, not only for me but for the sake of the entire world. He accepted an unjust punishment and carried the cross willingly to His crucifixion. Two thousand years later this act weighs heavily on my heart at each Lenten season.

I pray that during this Lenten season and beyond, I always feel the love poured forth by Jesus in His ultimate sacrifice on the Cross.