“As Jesus was about to go up to Jerusalem, He took the twelve disciples aside by themselves, and on the road He said to them, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn Him to death, and they will hand Him over to the Gentiles to mock and flog and crucify, and on the third day He will be raised up” (Matthew 20:17-19).
How would you receive this news? We like happy, exciting news of glory and the coming kingdom. We do not like hearing the cost of it. Jesus has come to redeem those who will come into His presence. He paid the price for our sake none of us could even begin to imagine. He does what needs to be done. Never forget that you were purchased for a great price. Jesus died for our sin, for our salvation.
Almighty God, Your goodness and mercy are unsurpassed. It is hard to fathom the price You willingly paid for our sake. We like to focus upon the good things and often forget that You have redeemed us from a world that is bent upon hell. Help Your faithful to never forget the price You have paid so that we, steeped in sin, but saved by Your grace, may be presented before You without spot or blemish.
Lord Jesus, You speak to us words that are hard to bear. You have born our iniquity that we might be freed from the recompense of sin. So lead all who call upon Your name to humbly submit to You as the One who saves. Guide me this day to humbly go where You send me and do what You give me to do. Amen.
I have a cold so bad that I can’t celebrate the Eucharist. I can’t remember that happening in my 36 years in ministry. Please remember all our sisters and brothers who are suffering from colds and flu. Blessings, Pastor Terry Wimmer