TUESDAY April 7, 2020

SON OF MAN

“You know that after two days is the Passover, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.”
Matthew 26:2

The Son of Man is a title that, in part, points to His humanity. During His earthly ministry, Jesus had many enemies. At this time, there was a growing conflict between Jesus, the High Priest, many of the Pharisees, Sadducees and Jewish scribes. They hated Him and wanted Him dead. Yet He was the glorious Son of Man––the Master Judge.

Jesus mentioned the Passover and His crucifixion to His disciples. He knew He was going to die for the sins of the world. Yet His words were not grasped by them. At this time every year, the Jews gathered together in Jerusalem for the Passover. People came from all over the world; about 2.5 million arrived in the city. During the Passover, it was recorded that 256,500 lambs were sacrificed. Did you know Jesus is our Passover Lamb? John the Baptist said of Jesus, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).

Jesus prepared Himself for His betrayal, arrest and crucifixion. He knew the souls of mankind needed to be redeemed (Hebrews 9:12). Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane to spend time with the Lord in prayer knowing Judas would betray Him and that He would face extreme physical torture.

He was sorrowful and said to His disciples: “Stay here and watch with Me” (Matthew 26:38). Jesus went a little farther and fell on His face and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will” (Matthew 26:39). He retreated in prayer to the Father for strength. If there was only another way for man’s salvation, but there was no other way but the Cross. Jesus submitted to the Father’s will.

We all need to have times alone in our Garden of Gethsemane to have communion with the Father before we face the trials and tribulations of this world.

We remember Your love, O Jesus, as it was manifest to us in Your holy life, from the manger of Bethlehem to the Garden of Gethsemane.
~C. H. Spurgeon~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!