Devotion: Broken and Battered

Please take the time to read Matthew 27:45-54

Lent at Sheridan has reflected the 40-day period leading up to Easter. Each weekend we have been intentionally connecting with Jesus’ journey to the cross. We have walked with him in his final days as we see how he was broken. Though he was an innocent man, he chose to be broken so that we would know our Savior is truly one of us.

In the 2004 movie, “Passion of the Christ,” we experience the brutality of the crucifixion. In last Sunday’s sermon, Pastor Greg shared the reaction of moviegoers to the depiction of the last 12 hours of Jesus’ life. The movie was highly controversial; as many felt the portrayal of Christ’s crucifixion was too violent, gory, too much to take in. Some felt it couldn’t be real…it was just a movie.

In our world today, we don’t personally witness the slow, agonizing death of being hung on a cross for hours. It was a torturous death, marked by the mockery of passersby. In those days, it was a sport for bloodthirsty soldiers to watch a person suffer so severely. Too often, people avoid Lent because of the brutality and gruesome death of Jesus. They don’t like to think about it. 

While we may not be as physically brutal today, we have still find ways to make people suffer. We see it in racism, antisemitism, bullying behind a computer screen, scams to steal people’s resources. Cruelty seeps into our hearts, and in our own brokenness, we find ourselves hurting others. 

Jesus was broken and battered and died for our sins. Because of us, He died and that’s hard for us to take in. Yet, we come face-to-face with God’s grace when we consider the sacrifice of His only son because of our sinfulness.

Throughout the Worship Center, we have shards of mirrors reflecting how broken our world is today. We see how these pieces reflect our own brokenness, and yet, all this pain reflects God’s light that gives us glimmers of hope. 

Let us walk with Jesus all the way to the cross this Lenten season. Hear how he died and rose again. For us! That’s how much He loves us.

Dear Jesus,
We come to you today with grateful hearts, mindful that you endured a brutal and tortuous death for our sins. We are so unworthy, and yet you give us hope of eternal life. Help me to love as you love. 
Amen.

Written by Janece Nelson

Janece and husband, Mike, have been members of Sheridan for more than twenty years. Janece is a retired mathematics instructor teaching at the middle school and college level. They are blessed with two children and three grandchildren.

Janece finds her greatest joy in spending time with her family and friends. Her passion is writing devotions for patients in hospitals and rehabs she sees every Monday as a Sheridan hospital visitor. As a Teammate she also mentors girls at Boys Town. Janece credits Faith Builders and Companions in Christ for her spiritual growth.