The Passion of Jesus Christ

April 7, 2009 by admin.

What would you do if you had 1 week left to live? 

Some say they would go tell their boss what they really think of him/her.  

Others say they would make amends with all the people they had hurt, or been hurt by, over their lifetime.   

Still, others say they would gather all their loved ones around them, and express how much they care for them. 

It’s a sober thought, to consider one’s impending death. I must admit, I think if I were to have one week left, my first thought would be to orchestrate whatever I could to make my last days worthwhile to me. I would try to experience as much joy for me as possible. Are there that many people who wouldn’t? What did Jesus do with his last week of life?

-         He raised Lazarus from the dead. (John 11)

-         He went to a dinner party in his honor (John 12)

-         He fellowshipped with the one who would betray him and one who would deny him (John 12)

-         He entered Jerusalem to loud applause and praise from a people who would be demanding his death later that week (John 12)

-         He washed his disciples’ feet (John 13)

-         He took time to prepare the disciples for his departure, and promised the pouring out of the Holy Spirit (John 14-16)

-         He prayed for his disciples. He prayed for us. (John 17) 

I think Jesus did pretty much everything I wouldn’t do in my last week. I wouldn’t worry about performing a miracle. I certainly wouldn’t put up with a person or group that I knew would betray me. Even though I’d like to think that I would be eager to help serve others, I think realistically I would be more concerned with whether or not people were serving me.  

 But that’s exactly what Jesus’ passion was. It was a passion to serve and care for the people he would redeem. Jesus had a real and genuine love for his disciples, and you and me. That’s what drove him to the cross. That’s why he died to save us.

As we stop to consider this, in the final week before Resurrection Sunday, I hope it ignites a passion within us to love God, and love each other. To serve each other.  

I don’t know if you’ll be dead in a week, a day, or after your next breath. To be honest, it doesn’t really matter. What matters is this: 

What is your passion?

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