February 22, 2013 Lent Day 11

Lent Day 11 Jesus Speaks About His Death John 12: 27-36 John 12:27 “Shall I say, 'Father, do not let this hour come upon me'? But that is why I came--so that I might go through this hour of suffering.” JESUS had two natures. He was God, and he was man. This is why we can call him “Savior”. Human, yet perfect, he became the sacrificial Lamb. And in his “man” or human nature, he knew what it was like to doubt and fear. He knows the cross awaits him. He knows how terrible it is. It is certain he had seen Rome’s victims executed in this way many times. He also knows why he has to die this way. But he doesn’t want to go. His human nature is screaming at him, “No, no!” The devil is tempting him, “Take the easy way out. Do what you want to do! You’ve worked hard, did all the Father asked you to do all your life. Now it’s your turn. Go have some fun. Live to a ripe old age. Oh, but Jesus had a mission. He had a purpose. He had to go to the cross. It was the only way. It was the Father’s way, and he was determined to follow the Father’s way. Even thought it was the hardest way. Why? Love. Jesus’ love for the Father; love gave him joy to obey the Father. Jesus loves you and me; he knew you and me—our friends and family—were in God’s plan to be born, to live and to die—and to receive salvation. Jesus wanted us to be with him in eternity. Living a “resurrected life” in Christ understands these two things: Jesus did not veer from the Father’s will, and we must express to our Lord a deep gratitude for the gift of life. Jesus does understand why we might not want to follow him to the hard places, to the tough situations. But he also knows that when we go there with him, the Father will be there. And where the Father is, that is where we want to be, forever. Honor God. Complete the purpose to which he has called you. Even if it’s the hardest thing, God is there with you in glory and eternity. Pause and Consider: Jesus loves you.