Standing With Jesus

     Jesus tried to explain to His disciples what would take place as they made their way to Jerusalem for the Passover. In fact, He spelled it out clearly.

“We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn Him to death.” Matthew 20:18

“As you know, the Passover is two days away-and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.”  Matthew 26:2

     The disciples must not have heard. They did not understand. Maybe the celebration of Jesus riding the donkey into Jerusalem and taking in the words of the “Hosannas” breaking forth, kept them from facing the reality of the cross. They fled from the scene and they hid themselves in fear. All but one; John.

     Will you desert Him when things get tough? Will you forget the truth of who Jesus is when you are faced with suffering and loss? Or will you stand up for Your Savior, fixing your eyes on Him, just as He fixed His eyes on the cross for you? He knew the cost. He paid the price. He did it for you.

“If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when He comes in His Father’s glory with the holy angels.”  Mark 8:38

Jesus,

We want our lives to honor You, wherever we go, whatever suffering we face. You overcame the most intense and unimaginable pain and suffering the world has ever seen for us. Keep our hearts pure and steadfast and help us never, ever to be ashamed of naming You as Lord and Savior.

Amen