Corona Devo 3119

We're here.  

Where?

The week of Easter.  The momentous events that changed the world and our eternity, and our hearts if we will let them...they occurred this week.  

The prayers by Jesus to have "this cup be taken from Him"--that happened this week.  

Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” (37) He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. (38) Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” 

(39) Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”  ~Matthew 26:36-39

The betrayal of Jesus by Judas in the Garden of Gethsemane--that happened this week.  

While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. (48) Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” (49) Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him.  

(50) Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.”  ~Matthew 26:47-50

The false trial, and inhumane whippings, and the death of Jesus for unproven and undocumented claims--that happened this week.  

• The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death. (60) But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward.  ~Matthew 26:59-60

• Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.  (27) Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. (28) They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, (29) and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand. Then they knelt in front of him and mocked him. “Hail, king of the Jews!” they said. (30) They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. (31) After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.  ~Matthew 27:26-31

But, Beloved...before we get to the actions of what happened this week...let us get to the heart of what happened this week...the heart of Jesus...for us.

First, foremost, and before the actions, came the love, the humility, and the heart of Jesus for us.

 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, (2) saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. (3) If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.” 

(4) This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: (5) “Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’” 

(6) The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. (7) They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. (8) A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” 

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” 

“Hosanna in the highest heaven!” 

(10) When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” 

(11) The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”  ~Matthew 21:2-11

Jesus did not come (by birth) with pomp and circumstance...he came lowly and born in a manger (Luke 2:7).  And Jesus also did not approach His death with military might or supernatural strength.

Jesus came gentle and riding on a donkey.  Not on a steed, or a stallion, or a comet, or a pillar of fire...  He came gentle and riding on a donkey.

This is the God and Savior that died for us, and that comes for us.  

If we have been mistaken in how Jesus approaches us---hear God's heart and intent for us.  

‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’  ~Matthew 21:4

Not in anger, or judgment, or with smiting strength, but Jesus approaches us gently and with love.  He loves us, and He went to the cross in love for us.  

His heart came in humilty for us, and His heart is still soft as He approaches us.  Don't get mixed up about the intent of Christ: It is not condemning and crushing.  It is engaging, and fear-hushing.

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. (18) Whoever believes in him is not condemned...  ~John 3:17-18

Beloved...before we get to the actions of what happened this week...let us get to the heart of what happened this week.  Saving the world (not condemning the world) is the heart of Jesus for us.

That...

THAT!...

That is what we enter into this week, and we're here.  

Blessings,

sarah

https://sarahsundy04.blogspot.com