WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16
Luke 22:1-6; Philippians 2:5-11
Today was the calm before the storm, though there was a lot going on behind the scenes. Called Spy Wednesday, today the Sanhedrin plotted to arrest Jesus. Judas came to them offering to betray Jesus into their hands. The history-making events of this week continued to move forward towards the crucifixion.
We know very little about what Jesus was doing on this day. It is likely that he taught in the temple. Maybe he spent time with his disciples and friends - talking, laughing, prepping for Passover - while only he had the bittersweet understanding of what would take place in the coming days. We can be almost certain that he spent time in prayer. Let’s reflect on some things that Jesus did during his ministry that show his amazing love, even before he goes to the cross to die for us.
From the beginning of his ministry, Jesus is an example for us. As Jesus stepped into the waters of the Jordan, he symbolized our need for repentance and redemption. With his baptism, he gave us a beautiful picture of how his love for us would lead to his death and resurrection and provide the way for our salvation (Matthew 3:13-17).
Jesus’ time in the wilderness is something we can identify with. This experience was not for his sake, but for ours; so that we could see he faced temptation just as we do. His love is not distant - he understands and draws near to us in our struggles (Matthew 4:1-11).
Jesus welcomed and connected with everyone. He talked with a Samaritan woman. He healed a Roman Centurion’s servant. He gave counsel to a rich, young man. Jesus seeks out Zacchaeus, a despised tax collector, and declares, “The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” This reminds us that no matter who we are or what we’ve done, Jesus’ love extends to us (Luke 19:1-10).
As he was teaching his disciples, Jesus declared, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Out of love for us, Jesus invites us to follow him as the only way to eternal life. His truth overcomes our confusion. His life gives us hope.
It is hard to comprehend Jesus’ love for us. His mission was to bridge the gap between humanity and God by offering salvation to those who will believe in him. Let’s rejoice, even in the shadow of the coming days, that his love is constant and his promises are true.
We know very little about what Jesus was doing on this day. It is likely that he taught in the temple. Maybe he spent time with his disciples and friends - talking, laughing, prepping for Passover - while only he had the bittersweet understanding of what would take place in the coming days. We can be almost certain that he spent time in prayer. Let’s reflect on some things that Jesus did during his ministry that show his amazing love, even before he goes to the cross to die for us.
From the beginning of his ministry, Jesus is an example for us. As Jesus stepped into the waters of the Jordan, he symbolized our need for repentance and redemption. With his baptism, he gave us a beautiful picture of how his love for us would lead to his death and resurrection and provide the way for our salvation (Matthew 3:13-17).
Jesus’ time in the wilderness is something we can identify with. This experience was not for his sake, but for ours; so that we could see he faced temptation just as we do. His love is not distant - he understands and draws near to us in our struggles (Matthew 4:1-11).
Jesus welcomed and connected with everyone. He talked with a Samaritan woman. He healed a Roman Centurion’s servant. He gave counsel to a rich, young man. Jesus seeks out Zacchaeus, a despised tax collector, and declares, “The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” This reminds us that no matter who we are or what we’ve done, Jesus’ love extends to us (Luke 19:1-10).
As he was teaching his disciples, Jesus declared, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Out of love for us, Jesus invites us to follow him as the only way to eternal life. His truth overcomes our confusion. His life gives us hope.
It is hard to comprehend Jesus’ love for us. His mission was to bridge the gap between humanity and God by offering salvation to those who will believe in him. Let’s rejoice, even in the shadow of the coming days, that his love is constant and his promises are true.
