As Christians, we look to Jesus Christ, as the founder and perfecter of our faith and the ultimate example for us to follow and live by. Jesus said that you and I are to be His disciples, then we need to take up our crosses and follow Him. If, we truly are going to take on such a challenge, what does it exactly mean for us.
Jesus, after His triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, was being sought by some Greeks. When Jesus was told about these individuals by His close followers He replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, truly I say to you , unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but, if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life will lose it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.” John 12:23-28 This is definitely a challenge of major proportions.
Jesus later went on to say, “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.” Can you or I imagine what Jesus was dealing with? Knowing what was waiting ahead for Him, in Jerusalem, had to be gut-wrenching and mind-blowing. Yet, it was what He was sent to endure as the obedient Son of God and Savior of the world. Jesus’ main intent was to glorify His Father at all cost!
As Jesus’ followers is it our intent to be faithful to His calling and glorify our Father who is in heaven? When we face difficulties in our lives do we immediate complain about them, or cry out to God in frustration for what we might be facing? Or, do you and I look at the various trials we may be subjected to and see how we can glorify the Father and follow the example Jesus’ has provided for us? Christ gave His all out of love for His Father and in obedience to His will, and also because of His great love for you and me. Would we be so inclined ourselves?
As we draw closer to the celebration of Holy Week, let us focus on the amazing sacrifice Jesus made to save you, me, and all humanity. May we seek the help of the Holy Spirit, so we to can glorify the Father and be a faithful follower of Jesus, our Master, Teacher, and perfect Model. To God be the glory in Jesus Christ and in us. Pastor McCarty