There were some Greeks at the celebration of Passover. It is believed that perhaps they were converts to the Jewish faith. They observed the reception that this man called Jesus had received. They inquired of Philip if it was possible to speak with this Jesus. So Philip and Andrew went to let Him know these men had need to visit with Him.
Though He was treated as royalty as He entered Jerusalm, His soul was troubled. Deeply troubled. Yet, He patiently visits with Philip and Andrew. Attempting to get them to understand what was ahead of Him.
He asks them a question. “Should I pray, Father save me from this hour?” Then reminds them that this hour is why He came in the first place. He was burdened with the knowledge that one of His disciples who had followed along with Him during His ministry, was betraying Him. One of His most loyal disciples was going to deny ever having known Him. He was going to suffer physical abuse. He was going to once again be visited by satan. He knew He was going to destroy him but still the confrontation was coming. He was going to experience the wrath of God turned on Him to satisfy the sin of every human being who had lived, were living and would live until the end of time. He was God and yet He was man. He was troubled by death just as death troubles us. He knew that all of this was the will of His Father.
Then, a voice speaks from heaven. It is the voice that spoke as He was baptized and on the Mount of Transfiguration. The acknowledgment, for the doubters that this Jesus was there at the will of the Father. He was going to be glorified once again. The people thought it was thunder or an angel speaking to Jesus. He is quick to inform them that the voice was to benefit them, not Him. Perhaps God was growing impatient with the disbelief and the questions.
Jesus tells them that the judging of the world was at hand. Satan was going to be cast out and the lifting or raising of Him from the earth was going to draw all men to Him.
Thought For Today:
We have all had things pressing on us. Sickness, impending death of loved ones, financial problems, relationship issues that trouble us so that we can’t think, much less “talk ” to people. When trouble comes to me, I just want silence in the prayer closet. Quiet, deliverance from talking and “work as usual.” Is that how you handle troubles?
I am struck by the loving patience Jesus extended to all those pressing against Him. Questions, questions and more questions. Many in the crowd hated Him, many loved Him and many were still trying to figure out who He was. Was He the Messiah?
He was burdened with the knowledge of suffering, the wrath of God and death that was soon His to carry. Yet there He is, explaining as He had been doing for three years, why He was here and why this hour was His to take.
Who would fault Him if He became angered? After all the miracles He had performed? The raising of Lazarus from the tomb? Yet there were questions! A normal person would grow weary and walk away from all the foolish disbelief. But He wasn’t just a normal person. He was God and Man. He continued, even up until the hour, to remain patient and loving.
Doesn’t He show us that same even temperment now? Patience as we come with our tears, our questions,…endless questions. Our requests for help. Our “why” questions. Even our whining questions. So patient, so kind, with His ear always atuned to the sound of our “bleating” voice. Always the “Good Shepherd” leading with patient love and protection.
Scripture For Today:
John 12:27-33
27 “Now my soul is deeply troubled. Should I pray, ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But this is the very reason I came! 28 Father, bring glory to your name.” Then a voice spoke from heaven, saying, “I have already brought glory to my name, and I will do so again.” 29 When the crowd heard the voice, some thought it was thunder, while others declared an angel had spoken to him. 30 Then Jesus told them, “The voice was for your benefit, not mine. 31 The time for judging this world has come, when Satan, the ruler of this world, will be cast out. 32 And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.” 33 He said this to indicate how he was going to die. (NLT)
Prayer For Today:
Hello Father! Thank You for sending Your Son to break us free from the clutches of sins penalty. Death with no hope of pardon. Jesus was willing to carry out Your will so that mankind could experience freedom, forgiveness and eternal life. To take the darkness of your wrath upon Himself so that we were spared. We are speechless when we reflect on what He suffered in our place. And for all the days and nights He has ministered to us in the midst of our own trials and our tears. Forgive us for our doubts, our disobedience, our sins. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
©2015 Kathy Ledbetter. All Rights Reserved.