Judging from what I read and hear, pandemics evidently make it easier than normal to doubt Jesus’ love. Circumstances feel harder than normal because they are harder than normal. Disappointments mount. Individuals’ bank accounts “ain’t what they used to be.” Even more serious, folks continue to die from this disease. The White House Coronavirus Task Force reported over the weekend to expect the hardest two weeks yet in the United States. In these circumstances and under the weight of this pressure, doubting Jesus’ love may be a temptation.
In my reading this weekend, however, I was reminded of the exact opposite truth. Friends, you have to read this, hear it, and maybe print it so you can refer back to this often throughout your day and this week. I forecast we will all need this reminder if the outlook over the next two weeks is close to accurate. Here is proof that Jesus loves you.
Jesus Took the Road to Jerusalem
Immediately before going to Jerusalem where He ultimately died, Jesus said to His disciples:
45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)
He specifically told them that He came to give His life a ransom for many. He came to give His life to pay for the sins in our life.
What does that have to do with the road to Jerusalem and my proof?
Jesus Predicted His Death, Burial, and Resurrection
He understood the full weight of giving His life as a ransom and choosing the road to Jerusalem. In no less than three times in the Gospel of Mark, Jesus foretold what was going to happen (Mark 8:31-33; 9:30-32;10:32-34). In each incidence, Jesus made it increasingly clear He understood what waited for Him in Jerusalem.
Jesus knew He was going to die for the sins of the world.
What is the proof then that Jesus loves you? He took the road to Jerusalem. In fact, He said, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and deliver Him to the Gentiles; and they will mock Him, and scourge Him, and spit on Him, and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again.”
The choice to take the road to Jerusalem is all the proof you need. Jesus loves you.
If you missed your service this past weekend, here’s a link to my message from Sunday:
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KevinCarson.com | Wisdom for Life in Christ Together
