At the end of the second day, when He had cleansed His Father's house, performed healings, and did wonderful things, Jesus "...left them and went out of the city into Bethany: and he lodged there." Who might He lodge with in this small town some two miles from Jerusalem? We know this is where he had spent time before with his friends Lazarus, Mary, and Martha. We know He loved them (well, He loves all of us, but these were some of His friends, one who he even raised from the dead) and I'm sure they greatly loved Him. He knew that there were great trials before him in the coming few days. Many of the multitude who had praised Him as He entered the holy city would turn on Him, even demanding that He be crucified. One of His closest disciples would betray Him. One would deny that he knew Him. Many would hide. Don't worry, they would do marvelous things later and would give their lives for Him. We all need the opportunity to change and grow. But the end of this week will be hard for them. And Him.
He would be asked to do His Father's will to show love for His Father's children. That includes you and me and your families and best friends and even those who don't like you and may torment you. We are all His children and He came to save us. It would be the greatest battle ever fought and there was only One who would be able to win it. For us. For His Father. He knew this was at the doorstep for him. I think He went to stay the night with those who loved Him so he could find rest and comfort and prepare.
There is a strength that comes from being with those who know and love us best. Their love for us strengthens us and helps us do our hard things. Those closest to us help us know how we can grow and be better, as well as help us understand our potential and who we really are-especially when we most need it. Often this helps get us through our most difficult times.
If you read Mathew 21-23, you'll see what He did on that third day after finding refuge with his friends. You'll hear what he taught. There is so much there-I won't even try to summarize, but please take time to read His wonderful teachings on this day, the day before His last mortal Passover meal.
In the meantime, consider doing a couple of things. First-be willing to "lodge" with those who love you most. Seek their strength, help, comfort (sounds like "home", right?). Often this takes a soft heart on our part. It is very hard for some of us to seek help-especially when it is most needed. Pride gets in the way. Second-be spiritually aware of those you love who may need your strength, help, comfort. Those whose arms may hang down and whose knees might be feeble (not mine-mine are bionic-arms and knees!). Help them by bearing burdens as well as feeling their sorrows so you may mourn with them. Follow the Savior and His Friends on this third day.
Love you all!
No comments:
Post a Comment