Holy Week #6 of 8 Friday: Undeserved, March 29
Daily Reflections from Inside the Cancer Journey
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Written by David Gira
“When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left” (Luke 23:33 NIV).
After arresting Jesus, the Jewish leaders and their “holy” henchmen took Him to Pilate, the Roman governor of the Jews. He listened to their charges, questioned Jesus, and found no wrongdoing. He planned to punish Jesus and let Him go, but an angry crowd arose shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” Their pressure prevailed, and Pilate gave in to their demands.
In The Case for Christ,1 Lee Strobel, investigative reporter and atheist turned Christian, wrote about Jesus’ crucifixion. He interviewed multiple physicians, medical experts, to learn what Jesus physically experienced being crucified.
Strobel’s medical experts detailed the impact of the crucifixion on Jesus’ body. The flogging alone nearly killed Him. The nails hammered through His wrists and feet shattered bones and crushed nerves. Breathing became more and more difficult. The strain on His heart was too much. Finally, He died of cardiac arrest.
Most knew Jesus didn’t deserve to die. His disciples and followers, Herod and Pilate, the crowds, a soldier, and many others knew. One thief crucified next to Jesus said to another, “We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong” (Luke 23:41 NIV).
Ironically and amazingly, as Jesus suffered and died the most hateful, horrible, undeserved death imaginable, He gave others love, compassion, and kindness. They also got what they did not deserve, but in a good way:
To a group of women mourning and wailing as they followed Him to His crucifixion, Jesus turned and expressed concern for them and their children (see Luke 23:27-29).
For those who nailed Him to the cross, Jesus prayed for forgiveness (see Luke 23:34).
To the thief who deserved to die, Jesus gave hope, promising “today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43 NIV).
Because of Jesus’ undeserved death we can all get what we do not deserve—forgiveness and life. “The punishment that brought us peace was upon him” (Isaiah 53:5 NIV). The perfect Son of God died so we can live. “By grace you have been saved, through faith” (Ephesians 2:8 NIV).
You know something else no one deserves? Cancer. Sickening drugs and treatments. Living with a constant death threat. Chronic fear. “Is it back?” Suffering and pain. Disfigurement and disability. No one deserves that.
Cancer is not Jesus’ cross, but it may sometimes be our cross to bear. It is undeserved and can be unbearable. But you don’t have to carry it alone. Ask Jesus; He will help you and bless you with many more of His undeserved gifts:
Wisdom to help you make tough decisions.
Strength to face every challenge.
Abundant love that enables you to love others.
Assurance that you are a beloved child of God.
Peace to calm the chaos.
Others to help carry your burden.
Christians refer to this day as Good Friday. Obviously, Jesus’ crucifixion is anything but good. The day is good because of all the good that comes from it. We are saved, and our lives forever filled with God’s goodness.
Pray: Lord, You did not deserve to be crucified. You sacrificed Yourself for me. Thank You for Your forgiveness, eternal life, and all the good things You give me. Remind me I don’t deserve cancer. Reassure me of Your love and presence. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Your Turn: Read Luke 23. Listen to “Amazing Love (You Are My King)” and worship.
1. Lee Strobel, The Case for Christ: A Journalist’s Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1998).
Michael David Gira Jr., Cancer Survivor
David was an ordained United Methodist Pastor and graduate of Duke Divinity School. He and his wife, Amy, lived in Raleigh, North Carolina with their three children. In 2017 he was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. In his book, How Cancer Cured Me, he shares many ways he experienced God’s healing. After a 7 year battle with cancer, David is now joyously singing praises in God’s glorious throne room. His legacy lives on through his writing for Cancer Companions, as he continues to proclaim Christ’s hope and healing power to others experiencing cancer. https://www.davidgira.com/how-cancer-cured-me
Cancer Companion’s vision for the future is for every person impacted by cancer to know the hope, love, and grace of Jesus and that every oncology team has included faith in their treatment toolbox. By 2033, Cancer Companions will provide 5 million engagements through cancer prayers, scriptures and interactions to those impacted by cancer. Engagements include; social media outreach, e-newsletters, prayer team requests, 30 days of Cancer Prayer event, and volunteer connections.
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