Welcome to The Daily, where we go through the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day.

We are taking a short break from Ecclesiastes to celebrate Easter with some unique devotionals to prepare our hearts for this week in history.

Our text today is Isaiah 53:5

But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. — Isaiah 53:5

More Than Wood and Nails

The cross is everywhere. We wear it on necklaces, see it in churches, and even use it as home décor. But in Jesus’ time, the cross was nothing to be admired. It was a brutal instrument of execution—reserved for the worst criminals.

When Jesus carried His cross to Golgotha, it wasn’t just wood that weighed Him down. It was the weight of sin—yours and mine. Every betrayal, every lie, every lustful thought, every act of pride, selfishness, and hatred—all of it pressed upon His shoulders.

We often speak of Jesus dying for us, but do we really grasp what that means?

• He was mocked so we could be accepted.
• He was beaten so we could be healed.
• He was forsaken so we would never be abandoned.
• He was pierced so we could be set free.

This was not a symbolic act. It was real. It was gruesome. And it was necessary.

The Cross Was Our Judgment

Sin demands justice. A holy God cannot simply ignore it. If God were to shrug at sin, He would cease to be just. But instead of pouring out judgment on us, He placed it on His Son.

This was the great exchange—the innocent for the guilty. Jesus took our punishment so we could receive His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21).

When He cried out, “It is finished” (John 19:30), He wasn’t just talking about His suffering. He was declaring that the debt of sin had been paid in full. Nothing left to add. Nothing left to prove.

Carrying Our Own Cross

Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23).

The cross wasn’t just His burden—it’s ours too. Not to pay for sin (only He could do that), but to die to ourselves.

• To die to our selfish desires.
• To die to our love for the world.
• To die to anything that competes with Jesus as our greatest love.

Salvation is free, but following Jesus will cost you everything. The question is, are you willing to carry your cross?

This Easter, don’t just observe the cross—embrace it. Jesus didn’t suffer and die so we could remain the same. He calls us to follow Him, to surrender, and to live in the freedom He purchased with His blood.

So, will you lay down your sin, your pride, your plans—and take up your cross? Will you step into the life He died to give you?

If today is the day you choose to follow Jesus, or if you’re ready to renew your commitment, don’t keep it to yourself. Let us know in the comments, or reach out—we’d love to walk this journey with you.

#TakeUpYourCross #ItIsFinished #EasterHope

ASK THIS:

1. What does Isaiah 53:5 reveal about the weight of Jesus’ sacrifice?
2. How does Jesus’ suffering change the way you view your own sin?
3. What does it mean for you personally to "take up your cross daily"?
4. How is God calling you to surrender more of your life to Him today?

DO THIS:

Embrace the cross—not just as a symbol, but as a call to surrender your life fully to Jesus.

PRAY THIS:

Jesus, thank You for bearing the punishment I deserved and for offering me freedom through Your sacrifice. Help me to daily take up my cross, surrendering my will to Yours. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

The Power of the Cross.