Abiding in Christ, Part 1
by Todd
When a man has little time, he will get to the point. His words become succinct, clear, even commanding. A lifetime of wise counsel will not keep a sage from dispensing his best, especially when death is near. For three years now, Jesus has poured the core of His teachings into the eleven men who surround Him. He knows He has only a few hours to summarize years of credo. The Shepherd is about to be struck and the sheep will scatter. The loving Savior sets His own trepidation aside to ensure His friends are prepared.
He looks around the room at the eleven familiar faces. They are very ordinary men who have done the extraordinary by saying “yes” to Him. Peter, the informal leader of the group, has been hot-headed at times, even earning sharp rebukes from the Lord. His brother Andrew is just the opposite – quiet and behind the scenes. James and John were nicknamed “Sons of Thunder” for their aggressive ambition. Philip lacks vision and is bent toward a “cannot do” attitude. Nathaniel continues to struggle with his prejudice views. As a tax collector, Matthew is one of the most hated in Capernaum and is frequently assumed to be taking advantage of others. Thomas is a melancholy and struggles with depression. James, son of Alphaeus, and Judas, son of James are considered nobodies, as scripture says nothing about them. Simon the Zealot is a terrorist of his day, constantly promoting a revolution against the Romans.
There is of course, the one who was not there. The one that Satan had entered; the prodigal who would never come back to the Father’s arms. He left only moments prior and at His leaving, Jesus mourned.
They have been the most persistent of students who have stood up to the rigors of public criticism, loss of social stability and family ridicule. They now sense something is near by the urgency of His words and intenseness of His eyes, but as in times past, they are clouded by confusion and expectation.
Jesus now senses the need to move on from this room of comfort, this room that in 50 days will house some of the first followers of the Way. Scanning their eyes, in hope of finding a spirit of strength and courage, He urges them, “Come now, let us leave”.
The cool night air is both refreshing and startling as the cadre shuffles onto the dusty road. These were the roads that only one week ago heard the people shout
“Hosanna to the Son of David!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Hosanna in the highest!”
In the distance, Jesus sees the silhouette of the small Mount of Olives, where the perfect payment will begin. He walks with unwavering posture, while the disciples follow along, glancing at one another, trading comments.
He knows His time is drawing near. In spite of the horrible pain to come, the Shepherd thinks only of the sheep. His firm, authoritative voice breaks the chatter…
by Todd
When a man has little time, he will get to the point. His words become succinct, clear, even commanding. A lifetime of wise counsel will not keep a sage from dispensing his best, especially when death is near. For three years now, Jesus has poured the core of His teachings into the eleven men who surround Him. He knows He has only a few hours to summarize years of credo. The Shepherd is about to be struck and the sheep will scatter. The loving Savior sets His own trepidation aside to ensure His friends are prepared.
He looks around the room at the eleven familiar faces. They are very ordinary men who have done the extraordinary by saying “yes” to Him. Peter, the informal leader of the group, has been hot-headed at times, even earning sharp rebukes from the Lord. His brother Andrew is just the opposite – quiet and behind the scenes. James and John were nicknamed “Sons of Thunder” for their aggressive ambition. Philip lacks vision and is bent toward a “cannot do” attitude. Nathaniel continues to struggle with his prejudice views. As a tax collector, Matthew is one of the most hated in Capernaum and is frequently assumed to be taking advantage of others. Thomas is a melancholy and struggles with depression. James, son of Alphaeus, and Judas, son of James are considered nobodies, as scripture says nothing about them. Simon the Zealot is a terrorist of his day, constantly promoting a revolution against the Romans.
There is of course, the one who was not there. The one that Satan had entered; the prodigal who would never come back to the Father’s arms. He left only moments prior and at His leaving, Jesus mourned.
They have been the most persistent of students who have stood up to the rigors of public criticism, loss of social stability and family ridicule. They now sense something is near by the urgency of His words and intenseness of His eyes, but as in times past, they are clouded by confusion and expectation.
Jesus now senses the need to move on from this room of comfort, this room that in 50 days will house some of the first followers of the Way. Scanning their eyes, in hope of finding a spirit of strength and courage, He urges them, “Come now, let us leave”.
The cool night air is both refreshing and startling as the cadre shuffles onto the dusty road. These were the roads that only one week ago heard the people shout
“Hosanna to the Son of David!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Hosanna in the highest!”
In the distance, Jesus sees the silhouette of the small Mount of Olives, where the perfect payment will begin. He walks with unwavering posture, while the disciples follow along, glancing at one another, trading comments.
He knows His time is drawing near. In spite of the horrible pain to come, the Shepherd thinks only of the sheep. His firm, authoritative voice breaks the chatter…
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