WORD TWO: Come Down From the Cross, Save Yourself

Wednesday, February 25, 2026

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Image: Jesus Christ Cleanses the Temple; ar.inspiredpencil.com accessed 18 February 2026

Seven Words to Jesus; Word Two: Come Down from the Cross, Save Yourself

 By Gail K. Kachnycz on 16 February 2026 

Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, “So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, come down from the cross and save yourself!” 

Mark 15:29 & 30 NIV 

 This reaction was foretold in Psalm 22 

All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads. Psalm 22:7 NIV 

     Crucifixion is an agonizing death. The crowd that had shouted “Crucify Him!” wanted to justify their actions, to convince themselves that Jesus deserved this punishment. To distance themselves from the suffering, they dehumanized Him with ridicule. 

     The image of Christ on the cross is difficult to observe. We want to look away. We want to say, “Come down from the cross.” We don’t want to admit that our sin requires this sacrifice. Can’t we save ourselves? Certainly we are good enough. There are others who have done much worse than we have. We want to emphasize God’s love and grace, without acknowledging His absolute holiness and our need for mercy. Even an unkind thought on our part creates a chasm between us and God. 

 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23 NKJV 

 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:6 NKJV 

During Lent, let us acknowledge our need for a Savior, and give thanks that God has provided a way for our sins to be forgiven and the right relationship with God restored. 

 Before GRACE, God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense 

 we need MERCY: My Execution Replaced at the Cross by Yeshua 

For prayerful consideration: 

 * Where am I trying to “save myself”? For example, trying to restore relationships with my own wisdom or work in ministry of service in my own strength? 

* Am I harboring sins such as bitterness or resentment?

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WORD ONE: Let Us Cast Lots for His Garment

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

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Image: Cruciformed #6: "The Gamble" from www.heartlight.org accessed 10 February 2026

Seven Words TO Jesus at the Cross; Word One: Let Us Cast Lots for His Garment

By Gail K. Kachnycz 29 January 2026; revised 10 February 2026


     During Lent, the posts on A Map Through The Valley will be brief meditations on the Seven Words

to Jesus. For the scripture content, an updated version will be used, following the chronological order

compiled by A.T. Robertson D.D., LLD, Litt.D. in A Harmony of the Gospels. Suggested scripture

readings for each wekk will be listed in the post.

Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His outer garments and made four parts: a part to each soldier, and the tunic also; but the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece. So they said to one another, “Let’s not tear it, but cast lots for it, to decide whose it shall be.” This happened so that the Scripture would be fulfilled: THEY DIVIDED MY GARMENTS AMONG THEMSELVES, AND THEY CAST LOTS FOR MY CLOTHING.” Therefore the soldiers did these things. John 19:23 & 24 NASB2020 [refers to Psalm 22:18]

The soldiers were just following orders. They had probably crucified many others before Jesus. One

way to become hardened to this task was to de-humanize the condemned one, to create distance mentally

and emotionally. Part of the process was to strip Jesus of His clothing, removing any shred of dignity that

remained. 

     The seamless garment is identified, but what other clothing would have been typical apparel? A brief

internet search identified the usual ensemble included the following (for more information, the link is

below): Kuttoneth (tunic), Simlah/Kesut (cloak/mantle), girdle or belt, leather sandals, and a head

covering. Most of these items, especially the sandals and belt, would have been adjusted in size for the

person wearing them. The tunic and cloak were more loose and flowing, and therefore more useful for

anyone, regardless of size. Our senior pastor identified “chiton” as the specific Greek word used for the

item that was seamless. It was the tunic undergarment, worn next to the skin. Having watched my mother

knit mittens, I know that apparel can be made without seams, but it requires a special technique and

equipment. Clothing in ancient times required a lot of effort to produce, and was highly prized. One lucky

Roman received the garment as a perk of his job.

     The scene of the soldiers gambling at the foot of the cross is actually a beautiful picture of what

Christ’s death obtained for us. He endured death to give us eternal life. He suffered pain to bring us

healing. And He was stripped of His clothing to wrap us in a robe of righteousness. It is ours not by

chance, as the soldiers experienced, but by choice; the choice we make to acknowledge our sin and need

for a Savior, thereby receiving His forgiveness, mercy, and grace. Do we want a Robe of Righteousness?

There is no need to gamble; simply repent, request, receive and rejoice!

I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, My soul shall be joyful in my God; For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, And as a bride adorns herself with jewels. Isaiah 61:10 NKJV        

Ancient Israelite Fashion

  



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Cookies Without Sugar; Preparing for Lent

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

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Image: Healthy Oatmeal Cookies from The Big Man's World; accessed 10 February 2026

COOKIES WITHOUT SUGAR; PREPARING FOR LENT

     Before I continue with today's post, let me share the link for this recipe. The cookies look so delicious, and you probably have everything in your pantry right now. The cook recommends old fashioned rolled oats, rather than quick cooking oats, but these are easy to find in regular groceries if you check the labels. The recipe does not use refined sugar, eggs, or milk so it is good for people with allergies to those items. It does use peanut butter, so if nut allergies are a concern, sunflower butter can be used. Here's the link:

Big Man's Healthy Oatmeal Cookies

Baked Oatmeal can also be made without refined sugar. Banana Baked Oatmeal 2/21/24

     Next week Lent will begin on Ash Wednesday. More traditional Christian denominations usually observe this season before Easter with some form of reflection on the sacrifice Jesus made to redeem us from our sins. Fasting, that is limiting food, can be a part of this practice. Some people avoid sweets or other pleasures. Although my church fellowship is non-denominational, since at least 2021 our leadership has encouraged some observance, possibly fasting, that will increase our time of prayer and focus on our relationship with Christ. In 2021, I decided that rather than to not do something (that is, not eat a meal or avoid sweets, etc) I would do something extra. At that time, my husband Mike had been on hospice status for a little over 2 years. For one hour daily, I spent time writing short devotionals related to chronic illness and care giving. Those essays were eventually developed into the content for the blog posts when A Map Through The Valley was launched in fall 2023.

     Lent culminates in the Passion Week, the week that begins on Palm Sunday and extends through Good Friday and Easter Sunday. On Good Friday, many churches will have a special service that focuses on the Seven Words spoken by Jesus from the cross. During this season of Lent, it is my goal for the weekly blog posts to highlight the seven words spoken by others to Jesus on the cross. I am just beginning to write the essays, and it is quite a challenge. The Elders of my church will review what I am writing, so that I remain true to the Word. I hope these posts will provide encouragement as well as food for thought.

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Love Languages

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

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Image: Book Cover The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman 

Love Languages by Gail K. Kachnycz 3 February 2026

     February has arrived! In our culture, there is an emphasis on Valentine's Day, promoting everything from packs of cards for school age friends to romantic get-aways for couples. Although gift giving is one of the methods of expressing love, there are other ways that do not require a purchase. I took the survey in this book by Gary Chapman and learned that my love languages are gifts of service and words of affirmation. Do you know what your love languages are? I found it very helpful to know. In the context of caregiving, knowing the love language for your loved one can really help him or her feel cared for. There may need to be some adjustments. For example, if your loved one's language is physical touch, but the chronic illness is causing pain, touch may need to be modified, such as holding hands instead of embracing with a full hug. Quality time and attention may require extra patience to allow a person with impaired communication to express himself. Your own love language and that of your loved one may be different. It is important to show love in a way that is meaningful for them. 

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a

for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me, and have believed that I came forth from God. John 16:27

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