Dear Family,
Today is Monday, May 13, 2024. It is Day 16 and Day 2 of Week 3 as we continue our Count to Pentecost.
After Jesus washed His disciples‛ feet, He introduced the new symbols of His Passover Sacrifice. They ate of the Bread (His broken, sinless body), and drank of the cup (His blood to be shed). They were told, “Drink ye all of it.” He also said He would not drink of “this fruit of the vine” until they and He were together “in my Father‛s kingdom.”
Matthew 26:27-29 (27) And He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying; Drink ye all of it; (28) For this is My blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. (29) But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father‛s kingdom.
Yet, Jesus did drink of another cup that same Passover day. Although He asked His Father to consider another way to accomplish their plan, He did submit, and He willingly drank of the cup the Father provided.
John 10:18 No man taketh it (My life) from Me, but I lay it down of Myself; I lay down My life for the sheep.
Remember, no one dragged Jesus to His death. He was not passive, nor was He aggressive or resistant. He did not take the part of a self-pitied victim. Rather, He was a willing participant Who endured the cross, despising the shame “for the joy that was set before him.”
Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
According to the Apostle Paul, He did all of this because He loves us.
Galatians 2:20(B) I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.
The Old Testament prophesied just such a willing sacrifice.
Isaiah 50:5-6 (5) The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back. (6) I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.
John 13:1 Having loved His own … He loved them unto the end.
During our times of rest and contemplation, let us keep this wonderful truth about God‛s wondrous love in the forefront of our minds and hearts.
Ben Faulkner, Pastor
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