Have you ever known you had to do something hard, but it was still days away?

In the movies we see people sacrifice themselves in the moment, but every now and then we see someone go ahead with a plan knowing they won’t survive.

It’s agonizing.

It’s easy to read through the final days and weeks of Jesus life in the Gospels as if you or I were going through it. When we do that, we imagine what it would be like walking the road toward Jerusalem or entering the city on Palm Sunday or going to the temple on Tuesday.

There’s a big difference though between Jesus and us. We would either be blissfully unaware of what was coming or, if we suspecting something bad was going to happen, still have some hope that we would be able to escape the danger somehow. That’s just how we are. We don’t know the future.

Jesus Knew
Jesus, however, knew. As He set His face towards Jerusalem and started walking, He knew He would be arrested in a couple of weeks. As He entered Jerusalem and everyone cheered and praised Him, He knew He would be flogged and beaten in a few days. As He and the disciples prepared for the Passover, He knew He would soon be nailed to a cross.

Jesus Walked
Jesus knew. He knew exactly the pain, suffering, and death that was coming. There was no way out. Yet, He walked. Day after day, He walked toward Jerusalem. He rode in on a Donkey, He taught in the temple, and He sat down with His disciples.

I can’t imagine it. It’s terrible. It’s agonizing. Yet, our Lord did it. He did it also knowing that He would be raised again. He did it knowing His death and resurrection would bring life and salvation to us all. He did it because He loved and still loves you.

Dear Jesus,

You gave Your life for mine. You willingly and knowingly suffered for me. I can never thank You enough.

Amen.