Wednesday of Holy Week: Jesus Embracing the Cross
Today’s Verses:
John 12:27 ESV
(Jesus said) “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour.”
As Holy Week continues, we draw near to the cross. On this Holy Wednesday, we hear the anguish in Jesus’ voice. His soul is troubled—not because He lacks courage, but because He knows the full cost of our redemption. Yet He does not shrink back. “For this purpose I have come to this hour.”
Christ entered Jerusalem knowing the betrayal, suffering, and death that awaited Him. Yet His love for sinners—for you—held Him to His mission. This is the Savior we trust: not distant or detached, but one who enters into our deepest suffering to rescue us from sin and death.
Let this verse anchor your heart today. In your own times of trouble, know that Jesus has walked the road ahead of you. And He did it so that you may live, forgiven and free.
Prayers
A Prayer for Today:
Lord Jesus, You did not turn away from the cross, but embraced it for our salvation. Strengthen us to trust in Your love, especially in times of trouble. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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