Can you feel the nearness of God during this season? How has your time with God been going? Let me know by replying to this email.
This is part 2 of The Road to Calvary – part 1 here.
Jesus the Servant
Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands and that He came from God and was going to God, rose from supper, laid aside His garments, and took a towel and wrapped Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel with which He was wrapped.
John 13:3-5
Amid the disciples arguing over who is the greatest, Jesus starts washing Peter’s feet. Jesus was displaying His humility and servanthood – a direct contrast to the heart attitude of the disciples.
Even when the storms of life are raging around you, you have the privilege of following Jesus’s example of a sacrificial servant.
Jesus the Sacrifice
It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over all the land until the ninth hour, while the sun was darkened. And the veil of the temple was torn in the middle. And Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.” Having said this, He gave up the spirit.
Luke 23:44-46
Jesus endured the shame of false accusations, condemnation, mockery, beatings, and abandonment. After multiple unlawful trials, He was sentenced to death by crucifixion – a horrible and disgraceful method of killing.
Before Jesus was led away, He was spit on by soldiers, tormented, mocked, and a crown of thorns was placed on His head.
Despite being the Son of God, Jesus willingly laid down His life as a sacrifice for our sins.
One of my favorite quotes by Jackie Pullinger is a great reminder we get to give our all for the Gospel.“The principle of the Gospel is this – the Gospel always brings life to the receiver and death to the giver. If the Gospel brought death to Jesus Christ, why would we think in preaching the Gospel it would be any less for us.”
Jesus the Victorious
Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, though I was dead. Look! I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.
Revelation 1:17b-18
Jesus is risen! Christ is victorious!
The cross is the sign of Jesus’s victory over sin and its consequence of death. Salvation was achieved by the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross – who beat back death. No tomb could contain God Almighty.
Death could not shackle God who entered into darkness only to break its chains.
Because Jesus lives – we too will live eternally with Him.
Celebrate the victory of Jesus over death, hell and the grave!