Actually this week has been quite the walk. Making my way along the road (in my heart, that is) and in the crowds as Jesus made His way to the cross. He knew what He was walking into, yet He kept going. He didn't deviate from His path. He continued to teach people, performed miracles, and meet with the disciples. Nothing was about Him. It was all about His Father, doing what His Father told Him to do.
He asked for a donkey, a beast of burden. Not a horse that is used by kings and dignitaries. Perhaps the donkey was a symbol of the burden He was carrying. Then He met with His disciples in an upper room for Passover. Only one of the disciples was not in fellowship with the others, but they didn't know a betrayer was in their midst. Judas, really? You asked Jesus if you're the one who will betray Him, when you've already made the deal with the authorities! But what is touching is that Jesus washed Judas's feet, just like He did the others. Basin of grace poured over his feet. Judas' heart was on the 30 pieces of silver. The Bible says of Judas, "Having received the piece of bread, he then went out immediately. And it was night." John 13:30 (NKJ) Dark and cold! Not only outside, but also in his heart. Chills!
In Gethsemane, while Jesus prayed the disciples slept. They had no fight, and were unaware of what was happening. We meet Judas in the garden, betraying Jesus with a kiss. Jesus calls him, "friend." That is overwhelming!! Love!
What Jesus suffered for us/me, is hard to take. Why did He take it. Men didn't nail Him to the cross to hold him there, Love kept Him there! Deity hung on the cross, too horrible to look at! He wore the crown of thorns. Thorns were a part of the curse of sin in the garden of Eden. Now Jesus is wearing the curse on His head. All the suffering before the cross, but the worst was God turning His back on the Son. Praise the Lord, the story doesn't end there!
Jesus was Resurrected! He is Alive, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!
It is the same with you and me...unless we come to the cross, we cannot be resurrected. We are commanded to carry the cross daily. We will suffer, but our Resurrection will come! Our eyes on Jesus and all He has done for us, it is worth it all!
His Grace Abounds
Barb
