April 7-11

Jesus Paid It All
And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. – Mark 15:37-38 (ESV)

In 2009, a man in Oregon walked into a coffee shop, ordered a drink, and then realized he had no money. He started to leave, embarrassed, when the barista smiled and said, “Don’t worry, someone already paid for it.” He later discovered a generous stranger had paid for dozens of customers in advance (The Oregonian).

Jesus did the same—but on a cosmic scale. He paid for our sins before we even knew we owed anything. His death wasn’t just an act of love; it was a transaction that settled our eternal debt in full. When Jesus died, the temple curtain was torn from top to bottom, signifying the end of the separation between God and humanity. Before this, only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies once a year. But Jesus, our great High Priest, tore down the barrier permanently (Hebrews 10:19-22). His final words, “It is finished” (John 19:30), meant the work of salvation was complete. No more sacrifices were needed. No more striving to earn God’s love. Jesus paid it all. Now, we are invited to live in the freedom of His grace.

Reflection Questions
1. What does it mean to you that Jesus’ payment was “once for all” (Hebrews 10:10)?

2. How can you live with confidence in the full forgiveness Jesus has given you?

Suggested Prayer
Jesus, You paid my debt in full. I don’t deserve it, but I receive it with gratitude. Help me to live in the freedom of Your grace every day. In Your name, Amen.

Jesus Perfectly Fulfilled Prophecy

And the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “He was numbered with the transgressors.” – Mark 15:28 (ESV)

In 2017, a man in North Carolina won the lottery—twice. Within three months, he hit two separate jackpots, defying the 1-in-250,000 odds. People called it unbelievable, but when God makes a promise, the odds don’t matter. The crucifixion of Jesus wasn’t random—it was the perfect fulfillment of centuries-old prophecy. Every detail of His suffering, from the mocking to His pierced hands and feet, had been foretold long before they happened.

Jesus’ death was not an accident; it was a fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. Isaiah 53:5 predicted that the Messiah would be “pierced for our transgressions” and “crushed for our iniquities.” Psalm 22:16 described how His hands and feet would be pierced, and verse 18 foretold how soldiers would cast lots for His clothing—exactly what happened in Mark 15. Jesus’ crucifixion proves that God’s Word is always true. If God is faithful in fulfilling His greatest promise, we can trust Him with the details of our lives.

Reflection Questions
1. How does Jesus’ fulfillment of prophecy strengthen your faith in God’s promises?

2. In what area of your life do you need to trust that God’s plan is unfolding perfectly?

Suggested Prayer
Lord, Your Word is faithful and true. Just as Jesus fulfilled prophecy, I know You are working out Your promises in my life. Help me to trust You even when I don’t understand. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Jesus Totally Transformed Lives

And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” – Mark 15:39 (ESV)

In 2019, a hardened gang leader in El Salvador turned his life around after hearing the gospel in prison. He had spent years in violence, but when he encountered Christ, everything changed. He renounced his past, started preaching, and now leads a prison ministry (Christianity Today). The gospel has the power to transform even the hardest hearts. At the cross, Jesus’ death changed lives instantly—including a Roman centurion who had just witnessed His crucifixion.

Mark 15 mentions three lives that were changed at the cross. Simon of Cyrene (v. 21) carried Jesus’ cross and may have later become a believer (Romans 16:13 suggests his sons were known in the church). The two thieves crucified next to Jesus (v. 27) had different responses—one mocked, but the other repented (Luke 23:39-43). And the centurion (v. 39), a Roman soldier, recognized Jesus as the Son of God. Jesus’ death was not just an event in history; it was a moment that changed history. Lives were transformed at the foot of the cross, and they still are today.

Reflection Questions
1. How has Jesus changed your life since you met Him?

2. Who in your life needs to see the transforming power of Jesus through your testimony?

Suggested Prayer
Jesus, thank You for the power of Your cross to change lives. Transform me daily and use me to show others Your love. In Your name, Amen.

Jesus Completely Paid the Price

And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last. – Mark 15:37 (ESV)

A man once walked into a car dealership, picked out a luxury vehicle, and drove off—without paying a dime. It wasn’t theft. A stranger had walked in before him and paid for the car in full. The dealership handed him the keys, saying, “It’s already paid for.” That’s what Jesus did for us. He didn’t make a down payment on our salvation. He settled the entire debt—forever.

The moment Jesus died, the work of redemption was complete. His final words, “It is finished” (John 19:30), meant the debt of sin was paid in full. The temple curtain, which separated people from God’s presence, was torn from top to bottom (Mark 15:38). No longer do we need a priest to intercede for us—Jesus Himself has opened the way. Because Jesus paid it all, we don’t have to earn our salvation. We are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Reflection Questions
1. How does knowing Jesus paid your debt in full change the way you live?

2. What does it mean for you to rest in God’s grace rather than striving for His approval?

Suggested Prayer
Jesus, You have paid my debt completely. Help me to walk in the freedom of Your grace, knowing I am fully forgiven. In Your name, Amen.

Jesus Ultimately Conquered the Grave

"Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council… took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus." – Mark 15:43

In 2013, a man in Mississippi was pronounced dead and sent to the funeral home. As the workers were preparing to embalm him, he suddenly started kicking inside the body bag. Turns out, he wasn’t dead after all! (ABC News, 2013). Unlike the Mississippi man, Jesus didn’t just wake up. He was completely dead, sealed in a tomb, and then three days later, He walked out alive under His own power.

Mark 15:43 tells us that Joseph of Arimathea, a respected Jewish leader, took great courage to ask for Jesus’ body. Why was this risky? First, he was a member of the Sanhedrin, the same council that had condemned Jesus to death. Associating himself with Jesus could have cost him his reputation or even his life. Second, Roman law only allowed criminals to receive proper burial under exceptional circumstances. Yet, Joseph boldly stepped forward.

But here’s the best part: Joseph’s tomb wouldn’t be occupied for long. Jesus’ burial wasn’t the end—it was the setup for the greatest miracle in history. His resurrection proved that He had defeated sin, death, and hell. The grave couldn’t hold Him (Acts 2:24), and because of that, it won’t hold us either. That’s the power of the gospel!

Reflection Questions
1. What does Jesus’ resurrection mean for your daily life and struggles?

2. How does Joseph’s boldness in honoring Jesus inspire you to take courageous steps in your faith?

Suggested Prayer
Jesus, You have conquered the grave and given me eternal life. Thank You that no power on earth can defeat You. Strengthen my faith and give me the courage to stand boldly for You, just as Joseph did. In Your name, Amen.