He Knew

He knew and He did it anyway.......

In reading John 15 & 16 this morning, I was struck by the fact that Jesus knew what was to come and He did it anyway.  I wasn't just drawn to what we typically discuss this Holy Week--that Jesus knew The Cross awaited Him and yet He went to Jerusalem anyway.  As significant and impressive as that is for our benefit, I was drawn to a thought that I admittedly overlook.

Not only did Jesus know what awaited Him but He knew what awaited His disciples and eventually, us.  Yet, He called His disciples and He calls us to follow His path.

If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. (John 14:18)

....If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also...... (John 14:20)

Jesus knew the persecution that He faced.  He faced it anyway.  For our salvation.

He also knew the persecution that the disciples would face.  He knew it when He called them to follow Him 3 years earlier.  He knew the persecution that countless Christians across the centuries would face because of following Him.

Yet He still calls.

Why?

How many of us in the face of danger would invite others to follow us?  If we are brave enough to face it, we are quick to tell others to remain behind.  Why subject them to the same risks? Protect them.  Keep them far removed from the threat.

Yet, that is not what Jesus does.

Why?

The answers are in the context of the surrounding verses.

• Jesus had just spoke eloquently about remaining attached to the vine. Remain in me, and I will remain in you.  No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine.  Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. (John 15:4)  First, its about the Kingdom work.  There are more souls to be saved.  And we need to be attached to Him in order to do it.  No fruit will come of it if we are detached from Him.
• Second, its about the worth of God's love.  As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you.  Now remain in my love. (John 15:9).  The eternal love we experience in our relationship with God The Father, Son and Holy Spirit is worth whatever trials and tribulations we may face in this world.
• Third, we are not facing it alone.  But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away.  Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. (John 16:7)  He goes on to speak of what The Holy Spirit will do. Jesus knew we would not be alone in this world.

 Jesus knew what He was about to face and why He was facing it.  He also knew what He was asking of those who follow Him.

Yet He did it anyway.

Because He love us.

Happy Easter!