REFLECTIONS

Journey to the Cross–It Is Finished

Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. (John 13:1a) From the Mount of Olives he could see Jerusalem and everything about to unfold there.

Beyond the Kidron Valley he could see the east gate where he would enter the old city, astride a donkey, to waiving palm branches and shouts of hosanna. He could see the temple court where money changers had turned his Father’s house of prayer into a den of robbers. He knew of the upper room where he would share the Passover meal with his disciples and wash their feet. Then the arrest and unfair trial. He must have shivered over spit hitting his face, scourging lashes ripping his skin, nails pounded into his hands. Oh, how he needed to pray for his Father’s love!

So, after the Passover meal, Jesus led his disciples to a place called Gethsemane. He fell to the ground and prayed, “Abba, Father, everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” (Mark 14:35-36) Then, looking toward heaven, he prayed:

“Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. (John 17:1-3)

“I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. …protect them by the power of your name — the name you gave me — so that they may be one as we are one. (John 17:6, 11)

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message,… May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see…the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.” (John 17:20, 23-24)

Crucifixion. Two other men, both criminals, were crucified with him. (Luke 23:32-33) [One of them] said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:42-43)

It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land …for the sun stopped shining. (Luke 23:44-45) And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, … “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Luke 23:46)           “It is finished.”

With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit (John 19:30)

At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. (Matthew 27:51-51)

You are the light of the world,

Richard +

www.reflectingthesavior.org

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