As Jesus journey through his life, he certainly was aware of the earthly outcome. He made it clear to his disciples that the outcome was to go to Jerusalem where he was to be arrested by the authorities and would be crucified.
It's a strange thing to think about all of that and realize that in months to come this is where life is going to go. Jesus knew his role was to be the Passover sacrifice.
John 12:27-28 (NIV)
27 "Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour.
28 Father, glorify your name!" Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it, and will glorify it again."
Jesus knew the Father's will. He knew that the sins of the world needed a solution that went far beyond yearly sacrifices. Those, as important as they were, could not atone for the sins of the world. So, his was to be that "Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world".
THE SACRIFICE
“O all ye who pass by, behold and see!”
Man stole the fruit, but I must climb the tree;
The tree of life to all, but only me:
Was ever grief like mine? —George Herbert (England/1593–1633)
SO...how does one maintain a focus so clearly directed to do God's will? Perhaps we should borrow insight from the Hebrew Bible that Jesus grew up with. In it Jesus found the wisdom, the prayers, the focus that he could go back to over and over again...and if it was the source of hope for Jesus, it is just as important that we embrace it also.
Ps73.23ff
Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.
But as for me, it is good to be near God.
I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge;
I will tell of all your deeds. (TNIV)
Peace
It's a strange thing to think about all of that and realize that in months to come this is where life is going to go. Jesus knew his role was to be the Passover sacrifice.
John 12:27-28 (NIV)
27 "Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour.
28 Father, glorify your name!" Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it, and will glorify it again."
Jesus knew the Father's will. He knew that the sins of the world needed a solution that went far beyond yearly sacrifices. Those, as important as they were, could not atone for the sins of the world. So, his was to be that "Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world".
THE SACRIFICE
“O all ye who pass by, behold and see!”
Man stole the fruit, but I must climb the tree;
The tree of life to all, but only me:
Was ever grief like mine? —George Herbert (England/1593–1633)
SO...how does one maintain a focus so clearly directed to do God's will? Perhaps we should borrow insight from the Hebrew Bible that Jesus grew up with. In it Jesus found the wisdom, the prayers, the focus that he could go back to over and over again...and if it was the source of hope for Jesus, it is just as important that we embrace it also.
Ps73.23ff
Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.
But as for me, it is good to be near God.
I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge;
I will tell of all your deeds. (TNIV)
Peace
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