11: Crucifixion: Jesus is nailed to the cross

"When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him and the criminals there, one on his right, the other on his left. Then Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.'

They divided his garments by casting lots. The people stood by and watched; the rulers, meanwhile, sneered at him and said, 'He saved others, let him save himself if he is the chosen one, the Messiah of God.' " Luke 23:33-35

While painful, tortuous, embarrassing and crushing, I'm sure Jesus looked at this as his last trial. Once nailed, his life would soon be over. But once again, he's providing witness, by asking for forgiveness for those who are doing this to him. Even when gravely punished, Jesus is thinking about, caring for, and demonstrating his love for us.

It is these final moments that we as Christians tend to focus on quite a bit - especially this time of the year. The moments leading up to Christ's ultimate death on a cross. But in the scope of his life and ministry, this is but a small portion of an overall mission he had in this world - one that fulfilled prophesies equally over the years of his earthly existence, and whose words and actions should weigh equally upon our hearts. From His parables to His prayers, this should be something to remember during these next few weeks.