THE WORD 4 ev 1

John 12:27-28 - (Jesus said) “Now My heart is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your Name!”

Have you ever thought how easy someone else’s job looked? Ever gotten the feeling that somebody thought you really had it made in your job? These conclusions are usually based on things we observe from the outside.

I can recall times when I’ve thought, “Yeah, you think so? Maybe you should try actually walking in my shoes for a day.” We likely never really do understand what others are going through.

We don’t have a detailed account of what Jesus did minute by minute during the week he died, but there are a number of times we get a glimpse of His agony—the suffering Jesus is going through even before the actual physical punishment begins.

Jesus’ burden isn’t any easier or the pain any less real because He is God’s Son. This sacrifice, His agonizing death, is all very real. Plus, Jesus is carrying the burden of all our sins. In today’s verse he even speculates about an easier way out: “ … and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’?”

Thankfully, Jesus didn’t take an easy way out. As He said, “No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your Name!”

THE PRAYER: Jesus, as we meditate during these final days, help us to appreciate the
great love You have for us that brought You to bear the punishment that should have been ours. Thank You for the price You paid that we might spend eternity with You in heaven.
Amen.