March to the Cross: Friday Wrap-Up

"You are busy analyzing the Scriptures, poring over them hoping to gain eternal life. Everything you read points to me, yet you still refuse to come to me so I can give you the life you're looking for -- eternal life!" John 5: 39-40 (TPT)

For the past few years, I have been overwhelmingly saddened by one truth when studying the Easter story. While Jesus walked on the earth, the religious of His time didn't understand. The very ones whose family lines had waited throughout the Old Testament for Messiah King missed Him when He came. They repeatedly missed the point and missed out on the goodness of His life, because the King came differently than they'd expected. Just think of the stories we've studied this week:

-- On Monday, we read about Jesus feeding the 5,000 in a miraculous way. Some marveled at His provision, and many questioned, doubted, and missed the abundance of Christ's provision.

-- On Tuesday, our study showed us how Jesus taught everywhere He went; however, in his own hometown, His teaching was rejected. Those closest to Jesus missed out on learning from the most spectacular teacher, because He'd humbled Himself to become like us. They couldn't imagine He was anything but human.

-- On Wednesday and Thursday, we were reminded of some of the miracles Jesus performed in the lives of people He came in contact with. He healed the sick, He made blind to see, and He brought the dead back to life. Yet, He was criticized because He didn't follow the letter of the law. His miracles didn't align with the expectations of those who new the Scriptures. They attempted to use His good works to trap Him and remove Him from the attention of the world.

It's no wonder that we'll see Jesus weeping over Jerusalem at the start of Passion Week. He'd determined to personally invest in the lives of His people, but they rejected Him at every turn. Jesus made them uncomfortable in a way that the Law never did. Therefore, they reject Him (the New Covenant) and reach for Old Covenant because it's familiar. That's a terrible trade.

I wonder how often I do the very same thing. How many times during the day do I miss out on Jesus within me, because I'm concerned with following the law, the routine, the expectation all around me? How about you?

As we move into Passion Week, I would love for us to focus our attention on "Christ within us, the hope of glory." (Colossians 1:17). All that we know about Christ through His Word is important. I'll never suggest that we discard studying the Bible as the best way to Jesus. However, prayerfully consider what the Holy Spirit is teaching us through that Scripture. God's Word was always meant to point us to the reality of who Jesus is and how He is personally working in our lives.

Question: Has there ever been a time when you missed out on the goodness, the freedom, or the presence of Jesus because He acted differently than you expected? Has religion and tradition ever threatened to steal the joy of your salvation?

Dear Jesus, You came and lived with us, walked with us, died for us, and rose for us because You desired for us to live.... to really live. We are sorry for every time we've missed you out of stubborn unbelief, misguided expectations, or lazy religion. We want to experience You fully each and every day. We want to have interactions with You that lead to new levels of intimacy with You. As we step into Easter week, Jesus, open our hearts and our minds to receive Your life more fully. Amen.