“Herod and Pontius Pilate … together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel … did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen.”
—Acts 4:27-28
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Thought Of The Day...
Who is responsible for the death of Jesus?
The Jewish leaders in Jerusalem brought Jesus to Pilate, calling for his crucifixion. In a way, some of them called for judgment on themselves, saying to Pilate, “His blood is on us and on our children!” (Matthew 27:25). But Christ’s death is on more than them.
Isaiah prophesied, “Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer” (Isaiah 53:10). And Paul said that God the Father “did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all” (Romans 8:32). What some people had meant for evil, God used for good so that people of all nations, including us, might be saved.
God’s plan was for Christ to enter into suffering in order to bring victory over it. The lashes on Jesus’ back, the crown of thorns on his head, the spit in his face, the nails in his hands and feet, the spear in his side, the abandonment of his disciples—all these were the result of our sin. Yet they were designed by God to destroy sin’s power. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son …” (John 3:16), and “by his wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5).
Jesus came to die—for us. He revealed that no sin or evil is too great for God to turn into life and joy. Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Prayer...
Heavenly Father, We come before you in awe and gratitude for the sacrifice of your only Son, Jesus Christ. As we reflect on Acts 4:27-28, we are reminded of the ultimate price He paid for us. He willingly suffered and died on the cross so that we can be reconciled with you and have eternal life.

Lord, we ask for forgiveness for the times we have failed to fully understand the magnitude of your love and the magnitude of Jesus' sacrifice. Help us to constantly remember and appreciate what He has done for us.

We also pray for those who have not yet received the gift of salvation. May your love and grace be upon them, drawing them closer to you and opening their hearts to receive Jesus as their Savior.

As we go about our daily lives, may we never forget the power and significance of Acts 4:27-28. May it be a constant reminder of your unfailing love and mercy towards us.

Thank you, Father, for your unending love and for the hope we have in your Son, Jesus. May we continue to live out our faith boldly and share this good news with the world.

In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.