Lent Days 38-39: Prayers unto death


Yet it was the Lord's will to crush him and cause him to suffer,
    and though the Lord makes his life an offering for sin,
he will see his offspring and prolong his days,
    and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand.

After he has suffered,
    he will see the light of life and be satisfied;
by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many,
    and he will bear their iniquities.

Therefore I will give him a portion among the great,
    and he will divide the spoils with the strong,
because he poured out his life unto death,
    and was numbered with the transgressors.
For he bore the sin of many,
    and made intercession for the transgressors.
Isaiah 53:10-12


 Before Jesus was crucified, he spent time with his Father. During that long night in prayer, Jesus gathered the resolve and strength to go through with God's plan. He agreed to carry out the plan of salvation, planned for all ages.

 His life for ours.

 How did Jesus' prayers shape his life and his self-sacrifice on our behalf?

 We often have good intentions, but fail to carry them out. Think about a time when you knew God was asking you to sacrifice yourself. Did you move forwards or back out?

 Did your prayers - or lack of them - have any influence on your actions?

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