Matthew 20:17-19

17 Now Jesus was going up to Jerusalem. On the way, he took the Twelve aside and said to them, 18 “We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death 19 and will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!” - Matthew 20:17-19

Dear Jesus,

You knew so much more about how your earthly life would unravel than I know about mine. But you faced it all with a faithful and loving heart. I don't have to know how my life turns out because I know how yours turned out. You followed the plan, even though it meant a terrible death. When you took the twelve aside to prepare them, it blew right over their heads, but it doesn't blow over. You win me over by the willing way you faced the worst torture in order to free me from my terrible mistakes. I'm glad you knew about your resurrection too. It gave you a light at the end of the tunnel. (Hebrews 12) Your light is my light too. I have hope in my own resurrection to eternal life. Help me live in hope today no matter what challenges you unfold for me.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

He endured the worst for the worst so I might live the best.

Additional Reading: Romans 3, 5