Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 24, 2023: SOAP #5134: John 19-21

SCRIPTURE:  John (NIV) 19:23 When the soldiers crucified Jesus,…30  When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

OBSERVATION:  In reading the assigned chapters in my daily reading plan, it is interesting to me that on Christmas Eve when we celebrate the birth of our Savior, we are assigned to read John 19 about His crucifixion.  …and chapter 2 about His resurrection. …and chapter 21 about another encounter with the risen Lord before He returned to heaven. 

It serves to remind us of WHY he came.  Born in a manger, but He did not stay in the manger.  Grew up in Nazareth, but He did not stay in Nazareth.  His ministry took Him to the temple and into the streets of Jerusalem, but there was so much more.  His ministry took him to Calvary where He was crucified.  Although sinless and morally pure, He died for sin. 

He did not cry out from the cross about the unfairness of His suffering.  The Father in heaven did not reach down and stop the crucifixion. He did not say, “You’ve got the wrong man!”  The reason:  Jesus was dying for sin, sin that deserved such a death.  No, it was not His sin, but my sin!  

APPLICATION:  No one will ever be able to raise an argument against me that a sufficient sacrifice was not made for my sins!  There is no other sacrifice that can be made!  

The baby that was born in the manger is worthy of our worship and celebration.  He is worthy of our lives!  

PRAYER:  Lord Jesus, I accept your sacrifice as the payment for my sins.  I confess my sins to you.  Forgive my sins and live in my life as my Lord and Savior.  Thank you for coming to earth, dying for my sins, and now living in me.  Amen

Pastor Leon  
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