Jesus Lenten Legacy of Seemingly “Little Things” with Large Significance: Jesus Healed Him

Jesus Lenten Legacy of Seemingly “Little Things” with Large Significance: Jesus Healed Him

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Any Christian with even a passing knowledge of Jesus’ suffering and death is well aware of the “big things” that our Savior endured as our holy Substitute.  And make no mistake about it, the big things are indeed big! 

However, there are many “little things” that occurred along the way – lesser known and lesser noted things – that carry great significance as well.  For these weeks of the Lenten season, we’ll take note of some of those lesser things that carry large significance.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

All four Gospel writers record the initial boldacious act – one of Jesus’ disciples draws his sword to fight against those who had come to arrest Jesus in the Garden, and he actually cuts off the right ear of the high priest’s servant!

John however is the only writer who names the sword-swinger; it was Peter.  He is also the only writer who reveals the name of the servant who lost his ear; Malchus.

But amazingly, Luke is the only one who passes along today’s “seemingly little thing of great significance.”  He shares this remarkable tidbit, tucked away into one Scripture verse: “But Jesus answered, ‘No more of this!’ And he touched the man’s ear and healed him.” (Luke 22:51).

Maybe it’s not surprising Luke makes special note of this.  After all, we know that he was a physician, (Col. 4:14), so it would seem logical – natural even – that he would note a healing of a serious physical condition.

Still, the injury must have been grotesque, with blood pouring out of the wound and undoubtedly anguished cries coming from the wounded servant.  It would seem the other gospel writers would have noted what Jesus did and recorded it.  But they didn’t.  Perhaps because of the darkness and confusion; perhaps because of the rapid unraveling of events; perhaps because of their shock at what was happening to Jesus and their own terror over their personal safety.

Nevertheless, the Holy Spirit moved Luke to pass along this seemingly insignificant event … because it is, in fact, quite significant!

Perhaps one might argue that three of the four gospel writers didn’t relay this healing because Jesus had performed so many healings before.  Too many to even count!  In fact, all four writers referenced Jesus’ miracles of healing multiple times … both in a general, all-encompassing way, as well as describing specific instances.

For example, Matthew writes:

Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them. (Matthew 4:23-24).

But note this crucial difference; the people the gospel writers record earlier … whether in all-encompassing summaries or in specific, detailed instances … came to Jesus as followers of Jesus.  Even if initially just in a nominal way. 

Malchus, however, came to Jesus as an enemy of Jesus to subdue him and ultimately send him to death.  In fact, (though we obviously don’t know for certain), I would submit it is possible – even likely – that the reason Peter struck Malchus was because Malchus was being extremely aggressive and was therefore viewed by Peter as a direct threat to Jesus.  Perhaps Malchus was one who physically, (and roughly!), latched onto Jesus.

Yet the Lord still healed him!

Obviously, no other person has the ability to do what Jesus did here.  But even if they could, how many people, sinners that they (we!) all are, would be willing to lovingly pick up a severed ear off the ground, place one gentle hand on the one side of the head of a man who just roughly seized us, and reattach the severed ear on the other side?  Most would never consider it, especially given the circumstances. 

But Jesus did.  In his love, he healed the man who just moments before had the worst of intentions for him.

The love of the Savior doesn’t only cover those who love him, but it extends over every … single … person!  There is sufficient evidence of this truth throughout the gospels.

We see it in Jesus’ interaction with the Jewish religious leaders who wanted him out of the picture – by death if necessary.  Even when Jesus spoke harshly to them, it was coming from a place of supreme love.  John provides an example of Jesus’ words that seem filled with compassion for his opponents:

But he continued, “You are from below; I am from above.  You are of this world; I am not of this world.  I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am he, you will indeed die in your sins.” (John 8:23-24).

We see it also in Jesus’ dealing with Judas, whom he knew had betrayed him for a few pieces of silver.  Repeatedly Jesus attempted to reach Judas.  While the betrayal was prophesied and necessary, it didn’t stop the Lord from attempting to break through his hard heart.  Luke’s account seems to demonstrate this:

While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” (Luke 22:47-48).

The answer, of course, was “yes.”  The worst of relationship crimes carried out with a typically loving gesture which was anything but!  Yet Jesus never stopped loving Judas.

Luke also shares perhaps the most striking example of Jesus’ love … something that occurred just a day after Jesus healed Malchus’ ear: 

Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed.  When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left.  Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:32-34).

Indeed it’s striking that the first words the Savior spoke from the cross were words of a loving prayer for those who put him there.  Certainly Jesus was praying for the Roman soldiers who drove the nails through his hands and feet and raised him up on the cursed “tree” of the cross.  Imagine, amidst the excruciating pain, praying for those men who inflicted it!

But as Jesus lifted that prayer to his Heavenly Father, he lifted it not only for the soldiers, but also for the Jewish religious leaders who pushed for his death.  And he prayed for the Jews who had screamed, “Crucify him!  Crucify him!”  None of them recognized what they were doing, or what Jesus was doing.

Why?  What moved Jesus to pray such a prayer?  It was his all-encompassing love – a love which loved not just family and followers, but also his enemies.

We can’t help but marvel.  How could Jesus love so abundantly that he even loved those who hated him?  It boggles our minds.  But we dare not forget that at one time we were also enemies of God, (Col. 1:21), yet Jesus loved us. 

This is the infinite and incomparable love of our Savior!  Which leads us to Paul’s prayer for God’s people:

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:17-19).

The “little thing” of Jesus healing Malchus’ ear has great significance because it shows the width, length, height and depth of Jesus love for all people … even those intent on killing him.   A love that thankfully includes sinners like you and me whose sins necessitated Jesus’ suffering and dying.  

And it demonstrates how the Savior desires us to love.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.  He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” (Matthew 5:43-45).

This is no little thing!  This is certainly not a worldly, fleshly, easy-to-adopt approach.  But it is a godly approach, as Jesus himself demonstrated.  And it is the approach God asks God’s children to adopt.

Why would we do so?  For the same reason Jesus did so!  Because of Jesus’ love!  “We love because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:19).

Is loving even our enemies an easy thing for us?  No way.  But it becomes possible as we realize the magnitude of Jesus’ love. 

After all, it was a love that even loved you and me.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Love Even Those Who Hate You

John 13
34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Matthew 22
34 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Luke 6
27 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29 If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. 30 Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.

32 “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. 35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

1 Peter 2
19 For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. 20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

22 “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” 23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 24 “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” 25 For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

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Jesus’ Lenten Legacy of Seemingly “Little Things” with Large Significance: The Scriptures Must Be Fulfilled

Jesus’ Lenten Legacy of Seemingly “Little Things” with Large Significance: The Scriptures Must Be Fulfilled

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Any Christian with even a passing knowledge of Jesus’ suffering and death is well aware of the “big things” that our Savior endured as our holy Substitute.  And make no mistake about it, the big things are indeed big! 

However, there are many “little things” that occurred along the way – lesser known and lesser noted things – that carry great significance as well.  For these weeks of the Lenten season, we’ll take note of some of those lesser things that carry large significance.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In past weeks, the “seemingly little things of large significance” we have discussed have been incidents mentioned only once in the Gospels and described with only a few words.  This week we will consider a truth mentioned so often in the Bible that readers are tempted to simply dismiss it, thereby viewing it as a seemingly insignificant thing.

But it most certainly is NOT a little thing.  And it most certainly IS a matter of great significance!

Mark records Jesus’ words spoken to the mob who had arrived to arrest him in the Garden. 

(Mark 14:48-49)  “Am I leading a rebellion,” said Jesus, “that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me?  Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. [Then come the significant words!]  But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.” 

Jesus states it frankly and clearly: “The Scriptures must be fulfilled.”

Interestingly, Matthew (the gospel writer to the Jews who knew the Old Testament Scriptures!) shares more of Jesus’ dialogue from that fateful evening.  And Jesus actually stated this fundamental concept twice!  He said it first to Peter – “But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?” (Mt. 26:54), and then he repeated it to his aggressors – “But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled” (Mt. 26:56). 

Jesus emphasized the truth that “the Scriptures must be fulfilled” to both his devoted disciples and to his detractors.  This is not accidental or incidental.  This is the Savior highlighting a highly significant precept. 

For centuries … millennia even! … the Lord had been providing prophecies about the Christ, the Second Adam who would undo the damage the first Adam wrought.  Every new prophecy added a new piece to the Messianic puzzle and painted a more complete picture of who He would be, what He would do, and what He would endure.

Theologians differ on the exact number of Old Testament Messianic prophecies, based on how they define individual examples.  Nevertheless, there is agreement that there are between 200 – 400 clear prophecies of the Christ.  Most scholars of the topic settle on a number over 300.

Wherever one lands in regard to the specific count, the sheer volume of prophecies is astounding.  And Jesus fulfilled every one of them … “because the Scriptures must be fulfilled!”

It started with the Savior being born of a virgin (Is. 7:14) from the line of David (2 Sam. 7:12-16) in the town of Bethlehem (Mic. 5:2), and his subsequent flight to Egypt (Hos 11:1).  As an adult, it continued with his ministry in Galilee (Is. 9:1-2), as well as his healing of the blind, deaf, dumb and lame (Is. 35:4-6). 

The foreshadowing of his suffering and death is scattered liberally throughout the Old Testament, both the physical specifics (as in Ps. 22) and the spiritual impact that suffering and death would bring (Is. 53).  Astoundingly accurate details are provided, from his ride into Jerusalem on a young donkey (Zech. 9:9), to his betrayal by one close to him (Ps. 41:9) for 30 pieces of silver (Zech. 11:12-13), to being abandoned by those close to him (Zech. 13:7), to being sentenced with transgressors (Is. 53:12), to the casting of lots for his clothing (Ps. 22:18), to dying (Dan. 9:26), and to being pierced (Zech. 12:10).

It’s also fascinating to note that at least twice in Jesus’ ministry irate groups attempted to murder him … once in Nazareth (Lk. 4:28-30) and another time in the temple courts in Jerusalem (Jn. 8:58-59).  Jesus was indeed destined to die for the people at the hands of people, but only at the right time and in the right manner.  (Because the Scriptures must be fulfilled.)  So he somehow simply (miraculously!) exited those situations.

The above prophetic examples provide a very summary list; the examples go on and on into the hundreds.  And Jesus fulfilled every single prophecy made about him.

This is no small thing!  The odds of doing so are essentially impossible – something only God could do.  Which is exactly what Jesus, the Son of God, did.

In the 1950’s, a mathematics professor at Pasadena City College named Peter Stoner ran a class exercise with 12 different classes totaling over 600 students.  The point of the process was to determine the probability of one person fulfilling just 8 specific examples of the hundreds of prophecies about the Messiah.

When the calculations were complete, the students discovered that the odds of one person fulfilling only eight of the Old Testament prophecies as 1 in a 100 quadrillion!  To put that into numbers, it would be a 1 in a 100,000,000,000,000,000 chance!!!  (17 zeroes!)

To help illustrate this probability in a more visual manner, Professor Stoner provided a telling picture.  He explained that if 100 quadrillion silver dollars were laid down within the geographic boundaries of the state of Texas, they would cover every square inch of the state by a height of two feet.

Only 1 of those silver dollars in the 24-inch, statewide pile is marked with an X.  If someone would be blindfolded and plopped wherever they wished in the massive state, the probability of that person reaching down and selecting the one and only marked coin would be the same as one person fulfilling those 8 specific prophecies.  (“Science Speaks: An Evaluation of Certain Christian Evidences” by Peter Stoner, Moody Press).

But Jesus fulfilled hundreds of prophecies!  Meaning the probability far exceeds 100 quadrillion … taking it well into the realm of impossibility. 

Which is exactly Jesus’ point: He is the God who can and who does accomplish the impossible.  That is, perfectly fulfilling over three hundred prophecies. 

He is also the God who has everything perfectly planned out.  This is true in regard to history in general; it is especially true in regard to the plan of salvation.  That plan was perfectly proposed by the Lord, and it was perfectly executed by Jesus.

Furthermore, he is the God who perfectly keeps his promises.  If just one of the hundreds of Messianic prophecies went unfulfilled, Jesus could not be the Messiah.  Jesus would be a farce and God would show himself a liar; one who is unfaithful and untrustworthy. 

But that is NOT who our God and our Savior is!  It is not happenstance that the Apostle John describes Jesus in this way as he opens his Gospel:

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was with God in the beginning. … The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.  We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:1-2, 14)

Jesus, the Promised One who fulfilled all the promises, was the embodiment of God’s Word … of God’s truths … of God’s prophecies.  Jesus was the Word made flesh.  Which is why he stated those incredibly important words: “The Scriptures must be fulfilled.”  And why he made sure they were!

It’s why Jesus came to earth.  It’s what Jesus did.  He fulfilled the Scriptures! 

And thanks be to God that he did!  As Isaiah prophesied about the Savior … about our Savior:  “… He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5).

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To Comment – Please share your thoughts!  (Commenting is the fun part!)  To do so, click on the “Comments” tag under the title and start typing.  I, and many others, would love to benefit from your insights!

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Jesus’ Lenten Legacy of Seemingly “Little Things” with Large Significance: They Fell to the Ground

Jesus’ Lenten Legacy of Seemingly “Little Things” with Large Significance: They Fell to the Ground

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Any Christian with even a passing knowledge of Jesus’ suffering and death is well aware of the “big things” that our Savior endured as our holy Substitute.  And make no mistake about it, the big things are indeed big! 

However, there are many “little things” that occurred along the way – lesser known and lesser noted things – that carry great significance as well.  For these weeks of the Lenten season, we’ll take note of some of those lesser things that carry large significance.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

It’s only mentioned by one of the Gospel writers … and it’s essentially contained in just one verse.  It would be an easy thing to overlook. 

But we dare not!  The Holy Spirit moved John to record this event because it is significant!

Jesus had been begging his Heavenly Father in prayer to find another way to atone for the sins of the world, but there was no other way.  So Jesus resolutely set his heart, mind and body to the bloody and brutal task before him.

Meanwhile, Judas the betrayer had led an armed mob of soldiers, spiritual militants, and curiosity seekers to the Garden of Gethsemane where he knew Jesus would be found.  Matthew tells us this was “a large crowd armed with swords and clubs.” (Mt. 26:47).  John adds that the crowd included a “detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials.” (Jn. 18:12)

Were the soldiers present “simply” temple guards, or had Roman soldiers also been recruited?  (This is entirely possible if the Jewish leaders had argued to Roman leaders that legionnaires were needed to “keep the peace.”)  The Bible doesn’t provide us with the total number in the mob, but if Roman soldiers were involved, it could easily have been in the hundreds.

Here is where John’s Gospel picks up the account:

(John 18:4-6) Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?”  “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied.  “I am he,” Jesus said.  (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.)  When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.

There’s the seemingly little thing with great significance.  When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.

A person working through John’s account could read those words and think, “Huh.  That’s interesting,” and continue right on reading without giving it much thought.   But this isn’t just some strange occurrence.  It’s a telling event.  A significant synopsis.  A brief summary with great importance. 

“A large crowd” that included soldiers and Jewish leaders – potentially numbering hundreds – were knocked off their feet by just a few words from Jesus!

Why do we dare not overlook this seemingly little event?  Because Jesus is demonstrating his extreme power … AND subsequently his willingness to go through with the suffering.

The Scriptures make it perfectly clear that Jesus was arrested … not because of the betrayal.  Not because of the “unexpected” and sudden appearance of the mob in the darkness.  Not because of the sheer numbers of his opponents.  Not because of the soldiers, swords and clubs.  Not because his disciples abandoned him.

Jesus was seized … because he refrained from using the power at his disposal.  Jesus ended up in his enemies’ hands … because he allowed himself to be seized.  While the crowd dared to believe that they controlled the situation and Jesus … it was actually Jesus who was in complete control.

This is a crucial truth that every Christian needs to comprehend.

The Son of God carried the full power of God.  He turned water to wine and fed thousands with a few fish and loaves.  He healed the sick (even those with incurable diseases!), and he raised the dead.  He walked on the water and calmed the storms.  In fact, just moments after knocking the mob to the ground, Jesus reattached an ear that Peter had sliced off.

Jesus was brimming with power.

When the mob arrived, he didn’t experience a sudden power outage.  His power wasn’t tapped out.  It wasn’t depleted, misplaced or unavailable.  Nor was Jesus temporarily unable to access his boundless capabilities.  He didn’t forget how to harness it or mysteriously neglect it.

Jesus deliberately chose to leave his boundless power unharnessed.  But he incapacitated an armed “army” with a few words to show what he could do … if he so desired! 

 But he didn’t desire it.

It was necessary for him to endure the rejection and ridicule, the torture and torment, the very horrors of hell.  It was necessary for him to be arrested by the mob, because that’s how the saga began.  Therefore, he capped his power and turned himself over to his enemies – willingly, and seemingly (but not really!) helplessly.

And note this truth well: that boundless power was able to be unleashed at any moment during all of his suffering.  During the mockings, beatings, scourging, nailing and dying.  Jesus could have easily revealed his absolute power at any moment and terrified and devastated his tormentors.

In addition, after Peter swung his sword, Jesus told him that as the Son of God he could call on his Father, “and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels!” (Mt. 26:53).

But Jesus never did either.  He never unleased his power, and he never called on the heavenly host of angels.  Because then his assignment to redeem the lost sinners of the ages would have been lost. 

Jesus had to refrain and endure the pain.  It was the only chance for the transgressors; it was the only chance for you and me.

Praise the Lord Jesus that he was overflowing with power … and that he deliberately didn’t use it.  That means that you and I are truly forgiven … and truly headed to heaven!

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To Comment – Please share your thoughts!  (Commenting is the fun part!)  To do so, click on the “Comments” tag under the title and start typing.  I, and many others, would love to benefit from your insights!

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Jesus’ Lenten Legacy of Seemingly “Little Things” with Large Significance: Jesus Knew

Jesus’ Lenten Legacy of Seemingly “Little Things” with Large Significance: Jesus Knew

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Any Christian with even a passing knowledge of Jesus’ suffering and death is well aware of the “big things” that our Savior endured as our holy Substitute.  And make no mistake about it, the big things are indeed big! 

However, there are many “little things” that occurred along the way – lesser known and lesser noted things – that carry great significance as well.  For these weeks of the Lenten season, we’ll take note of some of those lesser things that carry large significance.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

This little sidenote isn’t even a full sentence.  It’s more of a parenthetical statement – a descriptive aside – inserted into a sentence.  They are just a few words, but they’re packed with significance.

The mob had arrived in the Garden to arrest Jesus, presumably by sheer numbers and brute force, if necessary.  Jesus calmly approached them to ask who they are looking for.  And that’s where the Holy Spirit inspires John to add the brief explanation: “Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him …” (John 18:4).

Of course, Jesus already knew the crowd’s sinister purpose, so the aside seems perfectly natural ahead of Jesus’ question-for-which-he-already-knew-the-answer.  But it’s not just that Jesus knew who their target was; the Holy Spirit is emphasizing a much larger and more significant truth. 

Jesus knew ALL that was going to happen to him!

By this point, the Scriptures already make it clear that Jesus is fully aware of the ugly circumstances swirling around him.  Jesus knew exactly who had betrayed him (Jn. 13:11) and he provided Peter with the very specific warning that he would deny Jesus three times before the rooster crows (Lk. 22:34).  Furthermore, Jesus knew he was about to be condemned with transgressors – that is, crucified (Lk. 22:37). 

But those words – “knowing all that was going to happen to him” – carry so much more weight than Jesus simply being aware of the course, facts and timeline of events that were about to unfold.  They bear the knowledge of the intimate and personal details of every second of suffering heading his way!

Not just the ridicule that would be rained upon him and the spittle that would settle on his face.  Not just the hatred and humiliation he would endure.  Not just the exhaustion of being dragged unsympathetically to multiple overnight “hearings.”  Not just the sorrow of seeing so many who loved him devastated by what he was experiencing.

But Jesus knew exactly what horrific physical agony was about to be unleashed on his body.

Every bit of beard yanked from his face.

Every slap and every punch.

Every thorn that would pierce his head, and every strike from the staff that beat the thorns deeper into his flesh and skull.

Every lash from the scourge that tore open the flesh on his back.

Every ounce of agony as the nails were driven through his body to secure him to the cross.

Every excruciating instance he would have to push his flayed back up on the wooden cross to gain another breath.

Every moment of separation from his Heavenly Father.  (That is, every moment of hell he would have to experience as the proper punishment for the sins of the world.)

Jesus knew it all.  He knew it all before any of it happened. 

He even knew exactly who would wound him, exactly when and exactly where.  And yet he never flinched and he never shifted to lessen his suffering; he knew exactly what was coming and he willingly endured every bit of the agony. 

He endured it all because it was necessary to win redemption for you and me.

This is incomprehensible to us.  Only God himself could accomplish this!  And only a thoroughly loving God, driven by mercy for doomed sinners, would actually go through with it!

But let us never assume that Jesus was unaffected by all that he knew awaited him in his atoning work.  Luke disabuses anyone tempted to make such an assumption as he shares insights into Jesus’ passionate prayer in the Garden.

[Jesus prayed,] ‘“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.’ An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.  And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.”  (Luke 22:42-44).

Point number one: Jesus pleaded with his Father to find another way to save sinners and spare him the upcoming agony that he knew awaited him.

Point number two: Jesus as true Man was overwhelmed by what Jesus as true God knew was about to happen to him.  His emotional state was such that the Father actually sent an angel to strengthen and encourage him.

Point number three: Jesus’ anguish and dread affected him not only emotionally, but physically as well; he began to perspire profusely and blood actually seeped into his sweat.  (This is a rare phenomenon called hematidrosis … hemorrhaging of the sweat glands …  that may occur in highly emotional states.)

Jesus knew.  He knew it all.  Every horrific detail he would have to endure.  Every bit of agony his body was about to experience. 

But he also knew that there was no other way for sinners to be saved.  He knew that only he, the Lamb of God, could offer the holy sacrifice on the altar of the cross to make full atonement.  He knew he had to go through with it. 

So he resolutely set his mind, lifted his face, straightened his back, and marched into the mayhem and murder that awaited him.  He knew the horrors ahead, but he also knew that in the end the victory would be won.  Consequently, “for the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame” (Hebrews 12:2). 

Jesus knew the excruciating pain before him.  Yet he persevered, because he also knew he loved us and he knew he wanted us to be with him forever in heaven. 

We know he knew.  God grant that we never forget it, and that we never stop treasuring it!

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Jesus’ Lenten Legacy of Seemingly “Little Things” with Large Significance: “Keep Watch with Me”

Jesus’ Lenten Legacy of Seemingly “Little Things” with Large Significance: “Keep Watch with Me”

Any Christian with even a passing knowledge of Jesus’ suffering and death is well aware of the “big things” that our Savior endured as our holy Substitute.  And make no mistake about it, the big things are indeed big! 

However, there are many “little things” that occurred along the way – lesser known and lesser noted things – that carry great significance as well.  During these weeks of the Lenten season, we’ll take note of some of those lesser things that carry large significance.

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Four simple words; a very simple message: “Keep watch with me.”

What significance do Jesus’ words bear?  The context in Matthew’s account certainly provides some insight. 

Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.”  He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled.  Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.  Stay here and keep watch with me.”  (Matthew 26:36-38)

As true God, Jesus had no questions or reservations about what he needed to do to redeem the sinners of the world.  But as true Man, the concept was so daunting that it was almost more than he could bear.

He shared his innermost feelings with Peter, James and John: “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.”  And then he begged them: “Stay here and keep watch with me.” 

As God, Jesus needed no one beside his Heavenly Father and the Holy Spirit; as Man, Jesus longed for human connection with his disciples who loved him.  He longed to have those men closest to him provide some emotional support.

The depth of Jesus’ sorrow and troubledness was demonstrated by some of the very next words in the Gospel which described the posture he fell into as he prayed.  Jesus’ body was prostrate on the ground; his face was buried in the dirt.  His angst dropped him as low as he could physically go, and also drove him to the lowest level of humility and the basest level of supplication. 

The Man part of him begged the Heavenly Father to find another way to rescue sinners.  Some other way!  Any other way!

But there was no other way.  As Jesus himself had stated to his disciples not long before this, “I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6).  It had to be Jesus; it had to be this horrific way.

Jesus acknowledged the fact with his repeated words to his Father this evening, “Yet not as I will, but as you will.”

But Jesus words of pleading with his disciples, “Keep watch with me,” were much more than simply the Man, Jesus, begging his disciples to emotionally support him. They were also the words of the Son of God, Jesus, begging his disciples of that evening (and of all time) to stay tuned in … stay connected … stay attentive to what he was doing for them.  (For us!)

Unfortunately, Peter, James and John failed both Jesus, the Man and Jesus, the Son of God.  The busyness and length of the day, the Passover Meal and the wine, and the high emotion of the previous hours sapped them of their ability to stay awake.  They weren’t present, and they weren’t observant.  In their weariness, they lost their focus.

As we begin our Lenten journey, Jesus words still speak to us: “Keep watch with me.” 

Keep watch and see the frailty of Jesus, true Man … wrapped in flesh so he could suffer, bleed and die.  See also the determination of Jesus, true God … completely committed to accomplishing what must be accomplished.

Keep watch and see the love.

Keep watch and see the faithfulness.

Keep watch and see the Scriptures perfectly fulfilled.

Keep watch and see the almost unbelievable agony – fully necessary to fully redeem sinners.

Keep watch and see the atoning sacrifice fully completed.

Like the disciples, our physical and spiritual eyes may be heavy and our minds and hearts inclined toward slumber.  Perhaps even apathy.  But Jesus begs us, “Keep watch with me.”

Because there is much for us to see.  It’s actually eye-opening and exhilarating stuff!  Even some of the seemingly “little things.”

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Matthew 26:36-46
Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.”  He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled.  Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.  Stay here and keep watch with me.” 

Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”

Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter.  “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”

When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy.  So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.

Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting?  Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners.   Rise!  Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!”

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We’re Being “Auto-Corrected”

We’re Being “Auto-Corrected”

Usually it’s a fairly nice feature.  You happen to misspell a word in a text and your phone takes it upon itself to right (write!) your wrong.  This can save you from embarrassing yourself.

Then again, your phone can auto-correct your words and embarrass you even more!

Here’s one example I found online: 

Texter one (the father):  “Your mom and I are going to divorce next month.”

Texter two (a grown child):  “What???  Why?  Call me, please!”

Texter one (the father):  “I wrote Disney and this phone changed it.  We are going to Disney.”

That was a tame example.  There were many more where auto-correct provided an outlandish, preposterous, inappropriate and/or even offensive reply.  Highly embarrassing indeed!

I’m fairly confident that, unless you are extremely careful and take the time to painstakingly reread your texts before sending, you have sent messages with messages you didn’t mean to send! 

And the mess-ups weren’t mess-up of your own doing; they were inserted into your texts by “auto-correct.”  Which was actually an “auto-INcorrect.”

It’s nothing personal.  It’s simply Artificial Intelligence demonstrating a remarkable LACK of intelligence.  It thinks it knows best … but it doesn’t always.

Have you ever considered that we are surrounded by a culture that is constantly attempting to “auto-correct” our beliefs, morals and actions?  Sometimes the pressure is subtle; often it is blatant.  Always it is present.

Yes, it is perhaps especially impactful to our teenagers and college students.  And especially those on secular campuses. 

But make no mistake about it – it impacts all of us!  We clash with “auto-correct” through our coworkers, our neighbors, our friends … even our family members sometimes.

Furthermore, it impacts virtually every aspect of our lives!  If you doubt this, you are either blissfully naïve or ensconced in denial.

Society’s “auto-correct” list is literally endless.  Sexual propriety and acceptable speech are just two obvious examples of moral issues that society’s “auto-correct” attempts to define.  There are many more.

“Auto-correct” is extremely influential in promoting what our peers deem to be “significant values” and “proper priorities.”  These are often radically different than what our Lord tells us.

Then there is the matter of absolute truth and where (and whether!) it can truly be found.  The common consensus is that truth is subjective (up to each individual) – not objective (non-negotiable).  Scripture presents a totally different perspective.

Think about it just a little and it’s clear; we are bombarded by “auto-correct” in our lives.  Even more so than in our documents and texts!  Sadly, the world’s “auto-correct” is actually usually “auto-INcorrect.”

The Apostle Paul’s words are as every bit as significant today as they were 2,000 years ago.  They are words we would do well to take to heart.

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.  Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:1-2).

When the Holy Spirit is transforming us through God’s Word, and renewing our hearts and minds through God’s truth … well, that is the perfect “auto-correct!”  It’s a correction that we can be confident is actually and absolutely correct!

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Matthew 5:13-16 (the words of Jesus)
“You are the salt of the earth.  But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?  It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.”

“You are the light of the world.  A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.  Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

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Is He the Same God?

Is He the Same God?

The God of the Bible is a God of mighty miracles.

The six days of creation filled with God’s creative wonders stand as exhibit number one.  But there is a running tally of miracles throughout Scripture’s pages. 

For example, the rescuing of Noah, his family and the animal kinds from the worldwide flood, or a bit later in history, the forced introduction of new languages at the Tower of Babel.

Then there was the impressive ten plagues poured onto Egypt, the pillar of fire and cloud that led the Israelites out of captivity, the dry path through the Red Sea and the collapsing waters that wiped out Pharaoh’s army, the daily manna from heaven and water springing from a rock that nourished God’s people while traveling en masse in the barren wilderness.

The tumbling walls of Jericho might also come to mind.  Or the miracles God performed through (and for!) Elijah and Elisha or the other prophets.  Dead people raised back to life; poisonous water made drinkable; an Aramean army struck blind on a sneak attack; fire pouring down from heaven to burn up a sacrifice and the altar it was on. 

Shutting the mouths … and the ravenous hunger … of lions in a lions’ pit for Daniel is also memorable, as is the sparing of the three men in the fiery furnace.  The hand appearing and writing on the Babylonian King Balshazzar’s wall is also noteworthy.  (See what I did there?)

Then comes the cavalcade of Jesus’ miracles!  Turning water to wine, walking on the waves and silencing storms.  Healing a host of sickness (some seemingly incurable!), bringing sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, speech to the mute and bringing corpses back to life.  Revealing the hidden thoughts of peoples’ hearts. 

Tremendous miracles, all!  The miracles pop off the pages.  And perhaps we wonder if the Lord has changed his approach in more modern times.  Does God still do mighty miracles in our world and in our lives?

Recognize first that the spectacular miracles the Holy Spirit shares with us in the Scriptures typically (but not always) affected only a few in the entire realm of believers.  (In other words, isolated incidents.)  Recognize secondly that there was often … even usually … a considerable amount of time between the accounts.  (Though there may only be a few paragraphs or Bible pages separating them.)

God did fantastic things when fantastic things were called for to accomplish his purposes – whether on a personal or a larger scale. And that remains the Lord’s approach still today.

That is NOT to say that the miracles recorded were the only spectacular miracles God did in Bible times, OR that God only does miracles now and then in our times.  The fact of the matter is that all of creation is an ongoing, self-perpetuating miracle.  In addition, every living person is a miracle.

God’s miracle of creation occurs every time a new life is formed.  Not to mention the miracles of the body – such as functioning organs and self-healing built into every person.  We tend to take these blessings totally for granted, but we are experiencing incredible wonders in our bodies every second of every single day … even if we don’t recognize them or acknowledge them.

Furthermore, every Christian is actually also the embodiment of multiple miracles!

Conversion to faith in the Lord is a profound miracle.  The spiritually dead are brought to life by God.  (Ephesians 2:1-10).

Becoming a new person in Christ is yet another one.  (2 Corinthians 5:17-18).

Being endowed with the “fruit of the Spirit” – love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control – can be added to the miracle list.  (Galatians 5:22-23).

Then there is God’s gift of at least one special spiritual gift to every believer for the advancement of the God’s Kingdom.  (1 Corinthians 12:1-11).

And don’t forget the fact that the almighty Lord also hears and answers our prayers … all of them!  (Matthew 7:7-8).  Miraculous!

Though primarily spiritual, these are all profound miracles worked lovingly by God in his children.  And the ramifications of each spill into the physical realm!

Then sometimes our God does something truly exceptional and unexpected.  I’m confident every reader can point to at least one astounding miracle experienced in his or her life that could have only been brought by God.  Undoubtedly you can probably recall multiple such miracles!

All of which demonstrates that our God is the same God of the Bible, and he still does incredible things for his people.

As the Apostle Paul assures us, “My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).

Which is why the Lord encourages us, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).

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Psalm 46:selected verses
1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. …  7 The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Psalm 121
I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from?  My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.  He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.  The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

Psalm 91:selected verses
1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

9 If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, 10 no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. 11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; 12 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

14 “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. 15 He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. 16 With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”

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Power Outages Not Possible

Power Outages Not Possible

Here’s a post I shared several years ago … modified and updated.  It seems pertinent to many of the folks in our central-Michigan congregations and community who recently lost power through several storms which brought freezing rain and high winds.  But hopefully it is a good reminder and encouragement to all!

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My wife and I have experienced power outages before moving back to Michigan, but seldom and they were brief.  A few hours at most. 

Since we moved to Clare, we have had a number of power losses now.  Recently it happened again.  Twice!  Once for 17 hours (with company and a baby grandson staying with us), and then a few days later for 14 hours.  And we recognize that we didn’t lose power for nearly as long as many others. (Whom we felt for and prayed for!). 

As far as danger, the house got rather chilly overnight, but we would have been fine for quite a while.  We have warm clothes, plenty of blankets, winter gear, and even a camping cooking stove, if needed.  But that doesn’t mean it was pleasant or even easy … especially in the heart of the Midwest winter.

If you happen to have had the misfortune of losing your electrical power for an extended time … whether over these past few weeks, or at some other point in your life … then you know firsthand the inconveniences that come along with that.  We take for granted that we are plugged in and powered up – until suddenly we aren’t.

If you have never been without power, you’ve probably never considered how many of your daily activities rely upon electricity.  You don’t realize how often you automatically flip on light switches when entering a room, or how accustomed you are to having instant light at the flip of your fingertips.  You don’t recognize the luxury of clicking on your television set, of working and playing on your computer, or of doing so with the warmth and comfort the furnace provides!

If you have never been without power at night, you’ve never realized how many little lights there are scattered around your house.  The modem.  The digital clocks on the stove and microwave.  The power indicators on various appliances or miscellaneous conveniences.  And you’ve never experienced how very dark your house (and your neighborhood) becomes at night without power.  Everything looks different by battery powered, hand-held light.

Thankfully, we have our phones to provide information, communication and distraction.  But wait!  Eventually they have to be recharged  – a difficult task if charge (power) is not available!

And I haven’t even mentioned the key role power plays in regard to food storage.

As the length of the first outage continued, it seemed clear it would stretch past the amount of time it was safe to eat food stored in the refrigerator.  (The time frame is 4 hours, if you’re curious.)  As we approached the safety limit, there was a mad scramble to move what we could to alternate cool storage options.  Still, there was much we were forced to discard.  36 hours later, we were scrambling again.  

We were also prepared to transition the food from our freezers to suitably cold storage.  Thankfully, the power was restored both times before needing to take that step.

How significant (and typically overlooked) is the blessing of electricity!  What a powerful impact losing power makes in our lives!

Which caused me to reflect upon how wonderful it is that God’s power in our lives is never interrupted.

And not only is God’s power never interrupted, it’s never-ending!  Boundless!  The Lord describes himself to Abraham in this way: “I am God Almighty” (Genesis 17:1).  King Jehoshaphat praised God by stating that “power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you,” and Daniel rejoiced that “[all] wisdom and [all] power are his” (Daniel 2:19). 

The Apostle Paul was inspired to describe that power as “eternal” (Romans 1:20).  In other words, there are no power outages in our God.

But God’s almighty and unending power is not just some abstract or esoteric attribute demonstrated only in wide-ranging ways (such as creation) and unapplicable to you and me.  It’s a power shown to each of us personally and continually through his loving provision and protection. (Matthew 6:25-34).

It’s also and more importantly a power that impacts us spiritually.  Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, “as to his earthly life was a descendant of David, and through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead” (Romans 1:3-4).  Or to say it another way, Jesus’ authenticity and substitutionary victory over the penalty of our sin were proven when he, in power, rose from the dead.

Furthermore, our powerful God gave us his powerful gospel which has changed our hearts, our lives, and our destiny “because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16).

The electric company can’t and won’t keep us constantly in power.  Thankfully, we have a Power Source in whom power outages are not possible.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” (Ephesians 6:10).

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Simply Unbelievable … But Absolutely True!

Simply Unbelievable … But Absolutely True!

What can a person believe anymore?

Different news outlets present “facts” in the framework of their own pre-conceptions and according to their particular agenda.  For that matter, political parties do too!  This is even the case in the history, science, biology, and social studies literature utilized in our public school systems.

Artificial intelligence (AI) makes it possible (and common!) to generate false images and fascinating accounts of “factual” events, places, people and creatures.  Social media is chock full of AI-spawned features which grab people’s attention.  In fact, the common approach and ultimate goal for many seems to be to post articles that generate excitement … not share facts.

Consequently, the running joke has become, “It must be true.  I saw it online!”  And everyone understands the implication: the fact is that the factuality of internet information is dubious at best.

All of which fosters even more skepticism in already skeptical people.

Now consider that three of the most implausible events in the history of the world involved a single individual, AND that the makeup of this individual was beyond believable.

Who in his or her right mind is going to believe that a fully human person would also be fully God?  Sure, in books and movies we root for superheroes who have abilities beyond human parameters.  But in real life?

Yet, that is how the Bible describes Jesus.  Truly God and truly Man – miraculously intermingled in a single human body!  “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity (God!) lives in bodily form …” (Colossians 2:9).  Seems pretty preposterous to many.

Which leads us to the first of the most remarkable and almost unbelievable events in history.  After a miraculous conception inside a young virgin named Mary, (Lk. 1:34-35, Mt. 1:20-22), “Immanuel, which means “God with Us,’” was born in a barn in Bethlehem. 

Now honestly, if God was truly going to come to earth, this would seem to be the least likely way he would arrive!  Just the concept of a god entering our realm through childbirth seems inconceivable. (Pun intended.)  Yet the Bible tells us this is exactly how Jesus, the Son of God, arrived. (Lk. 2:11).

Which makes Jesus’ birth one of the three most remarkable events in history.

But the second remarkable event raises the implausibility level even higher.  This God-Made-Man named Jesus was not only born … but born specifically to grow up and die an excruciating death.  For God to be born so that he could die is already a ridiculous reach of logic (at least to a human way of thinking!).  For God to be born to die a brutal, bloody and agonizing death seems beyond preposterous.

And doubly so when one considers that the Bible tells us that Jesus died this death deliberately so that he could be the sinless Substitute for sinful human beings.  Human rationale concludes that no real god would do this!  But the Bible tells us that the real God did exactly this!  (Isaiah 53:5).

Which makes Jesus’ death the second most remarkable event in history.

The second led directly to the third most remarkable event – a human body which was thoroughly dead for days came back to life. 

Once again, it was Jesus who accomplished this.  His resurrection sent spiritual reverberations through the world and throughout eternity.  It meant (and still means!) that every single sin of every single sinner … which Jesus was born and died to address … has been fully atoned for! 

Now all who believe in this almost unbelievable Jesus – his birth, death and resurrection – have “a living hope” and a “never perishing inheritance” in heaven.  (1 Peter 1:3-4).  It’s something that no sinful human has a right to expect from the sinless God.  Yet, our God Jesus provides it for us through absolutely astonishing historical events.

Yes, it all seems simply unbelievable.  But it’s all absolutely true!  And thank the Lord that it is!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Proverbs 30:5
Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

1 Corinthians 1
18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”

20 Where is the wise person?  Where is the teacher of the law?  Where is the philosopher of this age?  Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 

… 23 we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block … and foolishness to [many], 24 but to those whom God has called, … Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

John 14:6
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.

Galatians 4:4-5
But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.

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To Comment – Please share your thoughts!  (Commenting is the fun part!)  To do so, click on the “Comments” tag under the title and start typing.  I, and many others, would love to benefit from your insights!

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Who Is Christmas For?

Who Is Christmas For?

I’ve heard it said that Christmas is for kids.  Maybe you have too? 

I certainly understand the sentiment.  Who is least burdened with pre-Christmas responsibilities?  Children.  Who is most excited for the “magic” and wonder of Christmas?  Who is most eager to discover the contents of stockings and wrapped presents under the tree?  Kids, of course!

The older we get, the more jaded we can become about the holidays; the more hassles and the less luster Christmas seems to hold.  So the perception that Christmas is primarily for little ones seems to make sense. 

But it’s simply not accurate.

Christmas … at least the real reason for Christmas … is for everyone!  God’s first and greatest Christmas Gift happens to be a Gift for all people.  Every single person desperately needs a Savior … the One who earned forgiveness for the countless wrongs they commit against the holy God and their fellow humans.

Transgressions don’t miraculously get transferred into the ether.   They can’t be secretly stashed away and hidden in a remote corner of the earth.  They can’t be disposed of in drastic or creative fashion.  Every indiscretion demands the proper penalty be paid.  That payment was beyond every flawed human.  But it wasn’t beyond the Son of God.

Which is why Jesus entered our world.  Why he was born, why he lived, why he died, and why he rose back to life.  Yes, it was for children.  It was also for teenagers and adults!  It was for you and me and everyone, regardless of age, gender, skin color, nationality, education, abilities, or financial or social standing.

We all need redemption; we all need to be ransomed; we all need to be wrested from the wages of sin, the doom of spiritual and eternal death, and the dire control of the devil.  And only God himself could provide the sufficient cost to secure our freedom. 

Therefore Christmas – Christ’s birth as a prelude to his atoning death – is definitely for everyone!

Christmas is for the guilt-ridden who despair of God’s pardon – because Christ secures it.

Christmas is for the physically, emotionally and mentally hurting (and even broken!) – because Christ is the path to perfect healing, if not in this world then the next. 

Christmas is for the disconsolate and depressed who long and look for help and hope – because Christ provides it.

Christmas is for the sorrowful – because Christ produces a joy that surpasses any circumstances.

Christmas is for the anxious and stressed – because Christ is the Peace-bringer … the One who fosters spiritual calm even in the midst of chaos.

Christmas is for the ones who mourn a loved believer who is no longer with them – because Christ prepared a special room just for them in heaven.

Christmas is for the weary, burdened and dying – because Christ brings rest, relief and life.

Christmas is for the poor and disenfranchised – because Christ makes all who love him spiritually wealthy and heirs of salvation.

Christmas is for the proud and privileged – because Christ, the almighty God-made-man, demonstrates a humility that speaks to all.

Christmas is for the young, strong and beautiful – because they will learn soon enough that everything is fleeting except for Christ’s faithfulness.

Christmas is for the elderly who remember the way it used to be – because Christ will make everything forever new for them one day soon.

Christmas is for the lonely and unloved – because Christ proves his love by his advent and promises his eternal presence to those who know him.

Christmas is for the imprisoned and persecuted – because Christ brings freedom and relief, sometimes now but ultimately forever.

Christmas is for the educated and uneducated – because Christ provides a Truth that can be learned and treasured by anyone.

Christmas is for people of all nations and all languages – because Christ’s eternal Kingdom includes some from every continent and country regardless of skin color or speech, bringing them to the place where all present speak the same heavenly, holy language.

And yes, Christmas is for kids – because Christ is the single best Gift they will ever receive.

The list could go on and on.  But you perceive the point.  The Christ of Christmas really is a Gift for everyone!

That’s exactly what the Holy Spirit stated through the prophet Isaiah; Jesus offers something to all.  “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given … And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

It’s also what the band of angels shared with the shepherds the night Jesus was born:  “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14).

There is no one Christmas is not for – because we all need the peace that Christ brings in some aspect of our lives.  Usually in many aspects!  So no matter your age, be a kid at heart again this Christmas!  Because Christmas is most definitely for you!

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