What does this passage reveal about God the Father?
We learn that God is just. He does not allow sin to God unpunished. He requires that sin committed against the most high majesty of God must also be punished with the most severe, that is everlasting, punishment of body and soul (Heidelberg Catechism, q/a 10, 11).
We also learn that God is merciful. Instead of punishing his people, he punishes his Son, Jesus Christ. God did not have to show us mercy, there is nothing which obligates him to make atonement for our sin. The fact that Jesus Christ willingly chose to endure such suffering for the sake of sinful people and for the glory of God the Father, speaks to a love that is much greater than anything we can imagine.
What does this passage reveal about what God the Son did in my place and on my behalf?
This passage draws our attention to the suffering of Jesus. He bore the burden of God’s wrath in his human nature. In body and soul, he bore the punishment which my sin deserves. He suffered physically and spiritually on the cross so that those who believe in him don’t have to.
What does this passage reveal about what God the Spirit does in me and through me?
God the Holy Spirit is the one who opens my blind eyes so that I can realize who Jesus Christ truly is (Mark 15:39) and what he has done for me. This realization encourages me to rejoice in God and to put my faith in Jesus Christ.
21 And they compelled a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross.