In the Lord of the Rings when Frodo is trying to sneak through the Black Gate to get into Mordor Gollum, as only Gollum can, speaks to Frodo who would quickly be apprehended if he tried to run through the Sauron's front door saying, "Not that way!"

I had that feeling when I read this story in the paper this morning:

Filipino devotees reenact crucifixion of Christ

Devoted folks in the Philippines are actually being crucified (not to death but with real nails through real hands and feet) to enter into the sufferings of Christ. Jesus, of course, said, "Take up your cross and follow me." This way of cross bearing, of course, is not what He had in mind. We will suffer; we must suffer...but not like this.

As we enter into thinking about Christ's suffering this weekend, remember this: the gospel is glorious because for us sinners it NOT about earning. It is about grace. We should be placed on the cross. We should receive God's wrath. I deserve it more than you know. Instead, Jesus took upon Himself all that we deserved. He died and spared us. He made us right with God. Our work and our suffering then is not to earn God's favor, it is done out of thankful hearts for what has been done for us by Jesus.