How do we measure love?  Is it by the depth of emotion felt?  Is it by the amount of joy produced?  Is it by the level of commitment displayed?  Is it by the extent of self sacrificed?

Reading of Jesus’ trials before Pilate and Herod… the intensity of Jesus’ suffering, the rejection and torture… it’s hard to bear.   (Matthew 27, Mark 15-16, Luke 23, John 18-19)

Angry accusations.  Lies.  A riotous mob.

Ridiculed.  Taunted.  Humiliated.

“We choose Barabbas, the murderer!”

“Crucify him!  Crucify him!  Crucify him!”

Whipped.  Made sport of.  Crowned with thorns.

Pummeled.  Spat upon.  Struck with a staff.

“He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief.”  Isaiah 53:3

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”  Hebrews 12:2

Jesus endured this suffering…  for me!

The joy set before him…  was that me?

Oh, the wonder of his love!

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