"Certainly this was God’s Son"

Scripture for Friday April 10 2009:
"Certainly this was God’s Son."—Matt. 27:54.

What comes to your mind when you think of Jesus on the torture stake suffering a slow and agonizing death? Perhaps you remember the ransom sacrifice that Jesus unselfishly gave in behalf of sinful mankind. (Matt. 20:28; John 15:13) You may marvel at the great love that Jehovah showed in providing that sacrifice. (John 3:16) Perhaps you feel as did the Roman army officer who said the words of today’s text. However, recall that Jesus’ last words on the torture stake were: “It has been accomplished!” (John 19:30) What had been accomplished? Was it not primarily for settling the issue of Jehovah’s sovereignty that Jesus came to earth? And was it not foretold that as the “seed,” he would suffer the extreme test at Satan’s hands so as to clear Jehovah’s name of all reproach? (Gen. 3:15; Isa. 53:3-7) These were weighty responsibilities, yet Jesus fulfilled them in every respect. What an accomplishment! (w07 12/1 2:10)

Memorial Bible reading: (Events on Nisan 14) Luke 22:66-71