Read Today’s Scripture
“All the way to the end”
Perhaps no prophet led a more burdened life than Jeremiah. He was constantly persecuted and assaulted by his peers who hated anything he had to say (Jer 20:7-8, 10). Even when he wanted to keep silent, the truth burned hot in his heart that he had to speak it (Jer 20:9). His life and ministry are like a prophetic foreshadowing of Jesus. As we’ve been making our way through John these past few days, have you ever thought, “Dang it Jesus! Can’t you keep quiet for a just a bit?” But the truth was in his heart, like a burning fire (Jer 20:9). Jesus had to speak it. And his opponents constantly wanted to assault him (Jn 10:39), even stone him (Jn 10:31). Here’s the question: if we were with Jesus, how close or far would we be standing beside him? I imagine with every passing argument we would be standing further away, a little embarrassed, a little afraid. Yet, what does it mean to follow Jesus? Is it only to receive his gifts of forgiveness and healing? Or is it also to suffer with him for the sake of the truth—the Gospel that Jesus is God and there is salvation in no other name under heaven? Are we willing to pick up our own crosses and follow him to his Cross? In two days, on Palm Sunday, Jesus begins his glory march to Golgotha. And as we read through John’s Gospel, we’ll notice that there are two kinds of believers—those who say they believe (but don’t), and those who actually believe by being with Jesus all the way to the end. Where do we want to be?
Collect
O Lord, who dost, out of the abundance of thy great riches, relieve our necessity: Grant, we beseech thee, that we may accept with joy the salvation thou dost bestow, and by the quality of our lives show forth the same to all the world; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.