Read It : John 13:34, Matthew 26:36-39 NLT
Live It :
Today is Holy Thursday, or in some traditions, it is Maundy Thursday. Maundy is from the Latin word, command, and on this day Jesus gives the command,
Love each other as I have loved you.
There is so much to unpack on this day, what transpired at the Passover meal. The servanthood of Jesus by washing the disciples’ feet. The first communion. He says, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life and no one comes to the Father except through me. I am the Vine, you are the branches. The promise of the Holy Spirit.
But today I want to focus on what transpired after the Passover meal. He and the disciples left the meal, went to the Garden of Gethsemane, and Jesus prayed this powerful prayer.
Read Matthew 26:36-39
“My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death.” But even full of anguish, he submitted himself to God’s will.
Jesus knew God’s plan. He knew this was the Way for you and me to have a life with God. And He lived his life according to that purpose. His purpose was greater than the pain he faced.
Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.
Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross. He endured the pain. His purpose is greater than his pain.
God has a purpose for your life. That purpose is greater than the pain you will experience in this world. You will have pain. But don’t give in to that pain.
John 16:33 NLT
“Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
Submit your life to God, His purpose is so much greater than this temporary pain. Fix your eyes on Jesus, not the pain. Focus on God, not on the things of this world. And then in the middle of pain, you will find joy.