March 5th, 2026 Daily Devotion

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW 

NO RELIEF FOR JESUS

Matthew 27:33-34 “They came to a place called Golgotha (which means “the place of the skull”). There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, He refused to drink it.” 

Jesus came to suffer and die for the sins of all people. As recent devotions have stated, Pilate was not in charge of Jesus’ crucifixion, neither were the Jewish leaders. Jesus went to Calvary’s cross out of love for His Father and for sinners He came into the world to save. He permitted Himself to be crucified knowing only His sacrificial death on the cross was sufficient for their salvation. 

While Jesus was dying, the soldiers offered Him “wine. . .mixed with gall.” The purpose of this mixture was to ease the pain of crucifixion and cause the malefactor to lose consciousness sooner. According to historical records this was a common practice. Jesus’ refusal to drink the wine and gall mixture symbolized His willingness and commitment to suffer and die for humanity’s redemption fully enduring the pain and suffering of this horrible method of execution.   

By Jesus’ refusing the sedative offered to Him by the guards He suffered fully the wages of your sins. He endured the most excruciating pain imaginable. He truly suffered! Instead of dulled senses, Jesus remained alert and engaged in His salvation work to His last breath as noted by the seven times He spoke from the cross.   

Jesus’ crucifixion was real as was His pain and suffering. He endured the cross! Jesus endured the cross as a demonstration of His love and obedience of His heavenly Father. He endured the pain and sacrifice as His clear expression of His love for you and all sinners.  

Prayer: Thank You Jesus for enduring the cross for my salvation. Amen. 

Jesus, all our ransom paid,
All Your Father’s will obeyed;
By Your suff’rings perfect made:
Hear us, holy Jesus. 

Save us in our soul’s distress;
Be our help to cheer and bless
While we grow in holiness:  Hear us, holy Jesus. 

Brighten all our heav’nward way
With an ever holier ray
Till we pass to perfect day;
Hear us, holy Jesus.  

Jesus, In Your Dying Woes // LSB 447 vs. 16-18

Public Domain