[The evil men who killed Jesus] did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen.  Acts 4:28

Philip Ware:  “The cross of Golgotha and the sacrifice of Jesus for our sins were no afterthought or mistake. Jesus came as God’s anointed, his holy Messiah, the Christ, the Suffering Servant, to die for the sins of the people and bring life and immortality to us. Those who were evil and conspired to kill Jesus as they sought to preserve their power and position as religious leaders were doing what God knew they would do. God used their evil actions to bring his grace and his goodness to us. He ransomed what was intended for evil by a few and made it the source of salvation for all, and he planned this ages before it happened. That is truly God’s loving grace!”

Father, thank you for your gracious sacrifice that fulfilled your demand for justice and brought us your rich mercy and grace in Jesus. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for your loving sacrifice, holy example, and promise to return for us, to take us home with you in glory. I pray this in your name. Amen.