What If You Knew It Was Coming?

Have you ever been in a situation where you knew you had to face something difficult in the near future? I’m not talking about an unexpected, tough situation that just sneaks up on you. I’m taking about something you know is approaching. Each day brings that dreaded event closer. And what if this impending situation would include not only excruciating mental pain, but unimaginable physical pain as well?

That is what Jesus endured as the day of his death on the cross drew near. There are so many lessons within the Easter story, but the one that touches my heart most is the fact that Jesus knew what awaited him, yet he didn’t bail. He didn’t run. He could have easily calmed the authorities or summoned a multitude of angels. But he chose to face it.

I think I can safely assume that most of us would spend our time leading up to our upcoming sacrifice by figuring out how to get out of it! Instead, Jesus spent his time preparing himself and his team. He knew this was his responsibility and that it couldn’t be pushed off to anyone else.

A couple of years ago I had the opportunity to go to Israel and walk along some of the same paths that Jesus walked. It was in the garden of Gethsemane where the enormity of this concept hit me. I just can’t imagine the turmoil that went through Jesus’s mind as he contemplated his final hours!

The sacrifices we will face in this life will never compare to Jesus’s ultimate sacrifice, but the example he set before us with his courage, his responsibility, and his unselfish love is something we would do well to reflect on and apply to our own lives.


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