Two things really hit me yesterday. Two bible facts that I knew, but never really comprehended. Here is the first:
Hypothetical situation:
For whatever reason, you have one or two days left to live. What would you do? What would be your priority?
Spend time with your wife? Or Family?
Try to finish off the last project at work?
Go max out your credit cards at the shops?
Sit on your couch and cry?
Party like there is, literally, no tomorrow?
Do you remember what Jesus did the day before His death? Washed feet.
He washed feet and comforted and served… Probably because He knew, and He was committed. (John 13:1-17)
We, however, do not know what tomorrow will bring, so… shouldn’t we be washing feet every day? As if TODAY was our very last opportunity to serve?
Which brings me to the second, absolutely profound thing about this time in the life of Jesus.
John 18. The Pharisees have gathered and collected the Temple Police. The highest power in the Jewish Community and their guard force came to arrest Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. Out in force and on a mission. Strength in numbers, absolutely motivated… do or die (They probably walked up the mountain in slow motion with an epic soundtrack, tassels blowing in the wind…)
“…Stepping forward, He [Jesus] asked, “Who are you looking for?”
“Jesus of Nazareth” they replied.
He replied, “I Am He.”
And the moment Jesus spoke the words, “I Am He,” the mob fell backward to the ground!”
_(John 18:4-5)_
Can you imagine what happened there? They all knew who Jesus was (in the Gospel of Mark Jesus asks them why they came at night and not during the day while teaching in the synagogue?) They didn’t fall over out of surprise. I think that at that moment, a glimpse of the true power of God was allowed to slip out.
A sign, if you will. A line in the sand… Whatever happens next is by God’s Will. It was by God’s decision and choice. No one forced Him, He wasn’t caught out or trapped. He submitted Himself. He could call down a gazillion angels, every single one ready (and probably a bit agitated at these humans) but He chose not to.
If I was part of that group that night and was knocked off my feet by just three words “I Am He”… I would seriously be contemplating my life decisions up to that point. Jesus is allowing the arrest to happen. He is walking up to the gates of hell and giving notice.
Have you ever been hit by a big wave that seems to have come out of nowhere? That force is how I imagine the crowd falling back. A glimpse of the power that built galaxies, contained in our Saviour. Can you imagine? CAN YOU IMAGINE?!
Is there anything He cannot save us from?
Any addiction,
Any bad relationship?
Any trouble this world might bring?
Any of our sins?
But maybe I’m too insignificant? Who am I that the God of the Universe will notice me?
Listen, He blew over the crowd because HE decided: YOU ARE WORTH IT!
Jesus’ own words:
”And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day.“
(John 6:39 NIV)
He not only knows about you, He knows YOU, and He gave His life for you.
Be Blessed and know that you are loved!
