For love of you, Jesus gave His "back to those who beat" Him (Is 50:6). For love of you, Jesus did not shield His face "from buffets and spitting" (Is 50:6). For love of you, Jesus obediently accepted "even death, death on a cross!" (Phil 2:8) Jesus suffered and died for love of you!

Almost everyone believes Jesus died on a cross. This is a matter of historical record. Well over a billion people have said they believe Jesus died on a cross for love of humanity. Yet how many Christians believe Jesus died on a cross for love of each one of them individually and personally? Do you believe that when Jesus was hanging on the cross, He was thinking of you specifically? Do you think He was saying your name? (see Is 43:1) Do you believe that He had your own name written on the palms of His nailed hands? (see Is 49:16)

It is hard for us to believe that Jesus was focused on each one of us when He died on the cross, for we ourselves cannot be conscious specifically of more than a very few people. But Jesus is not only a human being; He is God. He can and did die for you specifically. Jesus would have died for you if you were the only person in the world. He loves you specifically, individually, personally, and singularly. Love Him in the same way.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, July 26, 1997

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 29, 1997