We move one step closer on our journey to the cross. The prophet and the psalmist both allude to Christ’s coming suffering.
David reminds us that when we go through suffering, we can call out to God, He is our helper and our salvation.
John’s account brings us to the Upper Room. Jesus points out that someone in the room will betray Him that very evening. Can you imagine being Jesus and knowing all these things? Knowing that one will betray, one will deny. And yet Jesus continues on His journey. He even tells Judas to do what he needed to do. The other disciples were confused. What does Jesus mean? Is Judas going to pay for the food we ate tonight? Is Judas going to help feed the poor? We know that Judas was on his way to “seal the deal” — to make arraingments to get Jesus arrested. Jesus knew Judas’ heart, perhaps that’s why Jesus was so hard on Judas when Mary was anointing Jesus’ feet. Judas’ journey comes to a tragic end.
The writer of Hebrews reminds us that we are on a journey, he even calls it a race. There have been many who have gone on before, who are already in heaven and they are cheering us on. There are things that tangle us up, sort of like what happened to Judas. We must throw them off and finish the race. Why? We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. Keep the faith and keep moving along on the journey. It’s all worth it.
