TUESDAY April 16, 2019
SON OF MAN
“You know that after two days is the Passover, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.”
Matthew 26:2
The Son of Man is Jesus’ human title. Jesus, during His earthly ministry, had many enemies. At this time, there was a growing conflict between Jesus and the High Priest and many of the Pharisees, Sadducees and scribes. They hated Him and wanted Him dead. Yet He was the glorious Son of Man––the Master Judge.
Jesus mentioned the Passover to His disciples and that He was going to die. Just as before, His words went over their heads. At this time every year, the Jews would come from all over the world into Jerusalem for the Passover. There were about 2.5 million people in the city. During the Passover, it was recorded they killed 256,500 lambs for a sacrifice. Yet for Christians, Jesus is our Passover Lamb. John said of Jesus, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).
Jesus prepared Himself for His betrayal, arrest and crucifixion. The souls of mankind lay in the balance. He was going to take upon Himself all the sins of the world. Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane to spend time with the Lord in prayer. He knew Judas would betray Him and that He would face extreme physical torture. He was sorrowful and said: “Stay here and watch with Me” (Matthew 26:38).
Jesus went a little farther and fell on His face and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will” (Matthew 26:39). He retreated in prayer to the Father for strength. If there was only another way for man’s salvation, but there was no other way but the Cross. Jesus submitted to the Father’s will.
We all need to have times alone in our Garden of Gethsemane to have communion with the Father. There are moments in our lives where we go through tremendous trials, and we feel empty and alone. Always know He loves you, and He will never leave you.
We remember Your love, O Jesus, as it was manifest to us in Your holy life, from the manger of Bethlehem to the Garden of Gethsemane.
~C. H. Spurgeon~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!