Matthew 26

     Imagine the loss Jesus feels in this chapter.  The loneliness.  He knows what’s coming — the betrayal, the loss, the pain- both physical and spiritual.  It’s a lot for one person to have to endure.  He doesn’t want it.  He doesn’t want to go through it. 

     He went off in prayer three times asking God to stop it, to find another way but trusted God at the same time.  

     But the pain at knowing what was coming, at seeing his friends fall asleep while he was in such turmoil had to be disheartening to say the least.

     I can’t speak to the physical pain Jesus endured or the public humiliation, but I have been betrayed by dear friends before, of course not on the same level, but still betrayed.  It cut deep into my heart, my soul.  I still bear the scars, so I can imagine the stab of pain Jesus felt when he came back from praying, from asking God to take all this away, only to find his dear friends sleeping, oblivious to his plight, even though he had just told them about it!  AND then to have his dear friend betray him with a kiss! 

     It’s kind of interesting to be reading and writing about this time in Jesus life just days before we celebrate his birth and at the same time it seems completely fitting.  Fitting to think on the birth and death and eventual resurrection all at the same time.  Honestly, to me, the most important part of a life, any life, but especially Jesus’, is the part between the birth and the death — the living part. 

     We should be remembering the living part, how he lived, what he did, what he taught, who he touched, how he loved,  We should be celebrating that!  That’s the part that needs to be remembered and celebrated, taught and emulated.  

     Jesus said, “…you will not always have me.”  I think he was thinking, so listen to me while you do!  Learn what I’m teaching! Take it to heart and make a difference! 

     I don’t know, maybe I shouldn’t presume to know Jesus’ thoughts, but this I do know.  Without the birth, we wouldn’t have had his life and without his death and resurrection, his story might not have been so widely told.  BUT without his life, there would be nothing to tell!  

     So this week, as we prepare to celebrate his birth, take time to remember his life, his love, his care, his service and do the work to live more like him.

Until next time…♥️