CG[XP]: 

J. Series: BEHOLD THE MAN

John 19
6:00-9:00P

Have you ever stubbed your toe in the middle of the night?  Ever have a skate board flip into your shins?  Ever have a splinter drive up under your fingernail?

Brent Wilson notes that we wince at even the thought of such injuries, but think very little of (the painful reality of) the cross. 

We are so far removed.
Too far removed.

Crucifixion is one of the most torturous forms of execution invented by man.  The Romans perfected it, maximizing the pain and humiliation inflicted upon its victims.  The cross was not only a punishment, it was a gruesome portrayal of power.  It was reserved for the lowest and vilest offender.

Lowest.
Vilest.

And yet The Highest.  The Most Holy went to such a cross.  The cross that was reserved for you and me.  The God of the universe was carried our offense; He bore our sentence. Jesus gave to us—the lowest and vilest—His righteousness.

Let us look upon Him! Let us be horrified!  Let us rejoice!  Let us be ashamed! Let us be honored!  Our great God! Our gracious King has done the unthinkable—the impossible! All of time and space—all mercy and justice—intersects here in The Man stretched out for us!

Tonight is Common Ground Extended Play.  This means we worship. Study. Share. Eat and Play altogether tonight!  Instead of bringing money for supper, bring a backpack or school supplies to support our neighbors at Live Oak Elementary School.  You can get the supply list here: https://www.gbyouth.org/news/2019/7/1/news-back-packs (Link in our Instagram profile)

I love your hearts,

Bryan