Monday and Tuesday have come and gone and we have seen that despite the horrendous things facing Jesus in just a few days, He has continued to love, heal and teach others. If there is anything we should remember about all of this, it's how it is a clear picture of how Jesus put others before Himself all the time.
When we look at the Wednesday before the crucifixion (or 3 days before) we don't have a lot of details as to what Jesus was doing. It is assumed that He probably could have gone back to the temple. Maybe walked around and spoke to people. Used this time to teach the disciples some more....It's not real clear. But the one thing that is clear, is that this is probably the time that Judas began to break away from the group and talk to the chief priests. And not only did Jesus know this was going to happen...He now has to move forward knowing that it is taking place.
If you have ever been betrayed by a friend or a loved one, then you may know the extreme pain this can cause. It can throw such a curve ball at you that the shock alone can be enough to bring you to your knees. You have what you think is a trusting and loving relationship, and then you find out that all of that trust has been broken. Now take whatever it is that you have been through and multiply that by a thousand. I don't care if Jesus was the son of God, knowing that Judas was plotting to turn Him over to the very people who wanted to see Him dead had to have been excruciating. But again, the focus that Jesus had to move forward and carry out exactly what He was sent to do was amazing. How He was able to put that out of His mind and continue to do ministry knowing this was one more step to the cross becoming a reality is beyond me. In my own imagination I picture times now where Judas has slipped away and the rest of the disciples are asking questions like "has anyone seen Judas?"....and Jesus, knowing where he was, had to get them to not worry about it and continue to do ministry with Him. Amazing....
I also picture Jesus seeing the days turn into hours, and hours turn into minutes. Knowing that time is running out and whatever this group of men that have been following Him around for 3 years are going to get, they better get it now. I can't imagine the stress that is piling up on Jesus during this time and how He is having to remain calm and at peace for the rest of the group. I can't imagine how much strength He is having to draw from God just to get Him through this day. There is much to be learned just from thinking about that. If Jesus could rely on the God to bring Him through and to this(the cross)...then how much more can we also do this when we feel things piling up on us?
Jesus was an example to us all through every phase of His life. But I think there is so much to be learned just by studying this last week of His life that we don't even realize until we stop and really think about it. He was the ultimate example of getting through ANYTHING you could possibly face. And this part of His life is the best example of "I may not like where I am right now God, but I am going to trust you to see me through it".
So as you move through this day...3 days before Good Friday...if things try to overwhelm you, think about tapping into God's strength. If Jesus could do it to face all that He did, and we know the same power that was in Jesus is available to us, then allow Him to be your example and take it to God. There is no doubt in my mind that Jesus was in constant communication with God...and that alone got Him to be able to even endure the things that He did. We all are either going to face, or are in the middle of a situation where we will need more of God's strength...and staying close to Him and in constant communication with Him is how we can do this. Just as Jesus did...
God, please let this week...this day....be a reminder to us that we CAN do all things through You when You give us strength. As hard as it was for Jesus, You brought Him through it. Thank You for allowing us access to that same power and strength. Show us this week the things that we have been trying to hard to do on our own. And teach us how to be sensitive and obedient to The Spirit when we feel You directing and correcting us. And most of all God..thank You for Your gift...Your Son. In Jesus name, Amen
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