All this He does only out of fatherly, divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in me.

– from Luther’s explanation to the Apostles’ Creed

Why? I cannot read and consider the passion of Jesus, especially during Lent, without asking, “Why?” I look at my life of 78 years and quickly realize that there is nothing I have done that merits the sacrifice that Jesus made for me. So why did He do it?

I am also a parent, so I know something about parental love. There are times when parental love seems to flow in only one direction. The children during those times cannot see beyond their own selfish needs and desires. It is the parent who must provide the love and the goodness and the mercy, if the relationship is to survive.

Our Father is heaven is the perfect parent who continues to love and care for us even in those times when we are concerned only about our own earthly needs and desires. So, when it came time to act to gain forgiveness for the whole world, the Father was willing to sacrifice His own Son. It cost Him dearly, but His love for us is so great that He was willing to do it.

That’s the answer to the question, “Why?”

Prayer:

Dear Father, Your love for me is beyond my comprehension. Thank you for sacrificing Your Son on my behalf. 

Daily Reading: 1 Corinthians 3

– Contributed by Rev. Jim Troyke