Do you still marvel at this story? One of the dangers of familiarity is that it potentially loses its full impact on our lives. Let's go through this together this morning.
How long did Jesus know that Judas would betray him? Did he know Judas' heart when he called him to follow? Knowing what he knew, and what was about to happen, he invited Judas to sit at the table to share the most important meal ever recorded. Jesus knew about Judas, but he knew about Peter too. He loved and had compassion for both. He knows the secret thoughts and motivations of us all, yet he loves. When I read Peter's denial I have to asked myself, "how often have I remained silent for fear of the crowd?" His gentle spirit reminds me in my weakness he still loves me.
Jesus can identify with our weaknesses. In Hebrews 4:15 the Bible says that Jesus was tempted in every way but did not sin. He knows what its like to have a heavy heart;
Matthew 26:38 Then he said to them, “I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and stay awake with me.”
He sees us in our sorrow and in our hurt. He has compassion on us. Even when we desire to rise above it and fail, he recognizes our weakness and shows us compassion. That night, he took three disciples and asked them to pray with him. In his moment of greatest grief, he asks for friends to be close to him, they sleep out of their weariness instead. Jesus does not berate them, he shows them compassion. He knows at times how overwhelmed and exhausted you are in your situation. He sees and knows, and he loves you. This is what he said of the men he chose to be by his side when they fell asleep; Matthew 26:41 "the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” He knows when you want to do better but still fall short. We all have weak flesh, this is why Jesus came. He came to bind up all of our sorrow, grief, and pain. He also came to set us free from selfishness and sin, and self-destructive behavior.
He endured the cross for your sake and mine. He suffered betrayal, abandonment (see Psalm 22:1), insults, and pain. He calls us to live above angry reactions to slights and insults. He calls us to rise above our situations by the power of his spirit. He demonstrated so much poise and grace that his final moments had impact on all who stood and watched.
Matthew 27:54 Now when the centurion and those with him, who were keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were terrified and said, “Truly this man was God’s Son!”
Ask yourself this question, "Do I demonstrate the power of God in my life when things don't go my way?"
Christmas and Easter come together at the end. The first announcement was to the lowly shepherds. They were so low that their testimony was not allowed in court. Now, the first to receive the announcement of the resurrection are woman. Jesus came to turn the world right side up. He said the first shall be last and the last shall be first. Here again we see this being lived out.
The last words of Jesus; "And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us. He is with us always, even to the end. He sees you, he loves you, and he is with you always.
Comentarios