But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. - Romans 5:8
Parents with young children often try to describe, in tangible ways, how much they love them. They might say, "I love you to the moon and back" or "I love you more than peanut butter and jelly sandwiches." Sometimes they may try to show them by stretching their arms open as wide as possible and saying, "I love you this much!"
God also has many ways of telling his children how much He loves them. The Bible is filled with His words of promise, commitment, and compassion, not to mention repeated demonstrations of His love in action: He parted an entire sea to rescue his people. He provided remarkable protection in a fiery furnace and a lion’s den. He empowered a young boy to prevail against a looming giant with a simple slingshot. Time and again, God proved his unrelenting love.
But all of that was foreshadowing God’s ultimate demonstration of love. He sent His Son to earth in human skin and bones to be among His beloved created beings. Jesus endured it all—the ridicule, the mocking, and the beatings—so that He could proclaim God’s love like never before.
We were on His mind as Jesus walked toward Calvary. He was nailed and shackled to the wood. He didn’t have to speak the words. There, on the cross, His arms were open as wide as possible as if to say, “I love you this much.”
CLOSING PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, words are not great enough to express our gratitude for what you have done on our behalf, even though we didn’t deserve it. Thank you for such unwarranted, immense love. May our lives reflect Your love and bring You praise with every breath. Amen.