Jesus Speaks About His Death

John 12:27-36
 
John 12:27 “Shall I say, 'Father, do not let this hour come upon me'? But that is why I came--so that I might go through this hour of suffering.”


JESUS had two natures. He was God, and he was man. This is why we can call him “Savior”. Human, yet perfect, he became the sacrificial Lamb.
    And in his “man” or human nature, he knew what it was like to doubt and fear. Here he knows the cross awaits him. He knows how terrible it is. It is certain he had seen Rome’s victims executed in this way many times. He also knows why he has to die this way.
    But he doesn’t want to go. Jesus’ human nature is screaming at him, “No, no!” The devil is tempting him, “Take the easy way out. Do what you want to do! You’ve worked hard, did all the Father asked you to do all your life. Now it’s your turn. Go have some fun. Live to a ripe old age.”
    Oh, but Jesus had a mission. He had a purpose. He had to go to the cross. The cross was the only way. It was the Father’s way, and he, the Son, was determined to follow the Father’s way. Even though it was the hardest way.
    Why? The answer is love. Jesus’ love for the Father gave him joy to obey the Father. Jesus loves you and me; he knew you and me, many of our friends and family were in God’s plan to be born, to be saved. Jesus died because he loves us. He wants us to be with him in eternity.                           
    Living a resurrected life in Christ understands these two things: 1) Jesus did not veer from the Father’s will. 2) We must express to our Lord a deep gratitude for the gift of life as we truly love him. Jesus does understand why we might not want to follow him to the hard places, to the tough situations. But he also knows that when we go there with him, the Father will be there. And where the Father is, that is where we want to be forever. Honor God. Complete the purpose to which he has called you. Even if it’s the hardest thing, God is there with you in glory and eternity.


Resurrection Truth: Jesus loves you.