Betrayed and Alone
Do you ever wonder how Jesus proceeded to the cross knowing full well that he would do so without His Disciples' personal presence? Yes, Peter tried his best to stand up for Christ--even cutting a person's ear off to defend Jesus (Luke 22:50). But all left him and ran away (Matthew 26:56). Still, Jesus went forward betrayed and all alone...just for you. I marvel at the sacrifice of Jesus. He not only acted this way for me, but also for you. He chose to go ahead and suffer to die for your sins and to offer you forgiveness and grace. Jesus wanted you to be with Him forever. I trust you can rejoice with me for Jesus' lonely walk to the cross for you and for me.
Friday, January 20, 2006
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Jesus never gives up on you
I discovered something new in my time with God today (er, yesterday). I read how Jesus told His followers that they would desert Him--leave him all alone (Mark 14: 26-31). Still they denied that they would (see Matthew 26:35b). In fact they made death-vows to stand with Jesus no matter what (verse 29-31). However, Jesus predicted their failure and He did not hurt them more by bringing it up again. Jesus merely stated the facts, then shared with them their rendevous point (to Galilee)! I have read this account a bunch of times but skimmed over verse 28 in Mark chapter 14; "But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee." He still believed in them no matter if they failed and left him. Jesus said in a matter of words, "You will be scattered and leave me all alone, but I will see you in Galilee. I haven't given up on you. I will see you later--to Galilee we will meet again." I find that so encouraging.
Despite your profound shortcomings, Jesus still wants to meet up with you later. In spite of my great shortcomings, Jesus still wants to meet up with me later. He never gives up on you. He never gave up on the Disciples. He wants you to remain on the journey--TO GALILEE!
I discovered something new in my time with God today (er, yesterday). I read how Jesus told His followers that they would desert Him--leave him all alone (Mark 14: 26-31). Still they denied that they would (see Matthew 26:35b). In fact they made death-vows to stand with Jesus no matter what (verse 29-31). However, Jesus predicted their failure and He did not hurt them more by bringing it up again. Jesus merely stated the facts, then shared with them their rendevous point (to Galilee)! I have read this account a bunch of times but skimmed over verse 28 in Mark chapter 14; "But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee." He still believed in them no matter if they failed and left him. Jesus said in a matter of words, "You will be scattered and leave me all alone, but I will see you in Galilee. I haven't given up on you. I will see you later--to Galilee we will meet again." I find that so encouraging.
Despite your profound shortcomings, Jesus still wants to meet up with you later. In spite of my great shortcomings, Jesus still wants to meet up with me later. He never gives up on you. He never gave up on the Disciples. He wants you to remain on the journey--TO GALILEE!
Monday, January 16, 2006
Jesus demonstrates His love
In my readings of the life of Jesus in the Gospel books of the Bible, I just read that Jesus knows who is going to betray Him. Despite this knowledge, Jesus continues to treat Judas with respect and includes Him in the beginning of the Last Supper. Jesus tells His Disciples that He loves them and that they in turn can love one another. I believe He had Judas in mind. Even though the emotion of the betray is real for Jesus, Jesus demonstrates His love by washing the Disciples feet and challenging them to love Him. It is at this time also that Jesus tells Judas to go do what he needs to do and where Jesus informs Peter that Peter will betray Him three times despite Peter's fervent response to the contrary. At the end of the meal Jesus institutes the Bread and the Cup as a memorial ceremony to remember what Jesus would do on the cross in a few days. Jesus tells them that He loves them and wants them to demonstrate that love to one another. Jesus challenges them to serve one another in love. Wow! Jesus had to work through his emotions to do the right thing. You can do the right things just like Jesus.
In my readings of the life of Jesus in the Gospel books of the Bible, I just read that Jesus knows who is going to betray Him. Despite this knowledge, Jesus continues to treat Judas with respect and includes Him in the beginning of the Last Supper. Jesus tells His Disciples that He loves them and that they in turn can love one another. I believe He had Judas in mind. Even though the emotion of the betray is real for Jesus, Jesus demonstrates His love by washing the Disciples feet and challenging them to love Him. It is at this time also that Jesus tells Judas to go do what he needs to do and where Jesus informs Peter that Peter will betray Him three times despite Peter's fervent response to the contrary. At the end of the meal Jesus institutes the Bread and the Cup as a memorial ceremony to remember what Jesus would do on the cross in a few days. Jesus tells them that He loves them and wants them to demonstrate that love to one another. Jesus challenges them to serve one another in love. Wow! Jesus had to work through his emotions to do the right thing. You can do the right things just like Jesus.
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