Wednesday, October 5, 2022

John 11:54-57

John 11:54-57 

  Healing people had a cost to Jesus.
  Here, because he'd raised Lazarus from the dead, he was no longer able to walk openly.  The Jewish leaders were so intent on removing him from the scene that he couldn't come and go as he wanted.  Imagine -- the person who designed and made the world, not being able to walk about it freely!  The indignity of it is appalling.  We've come a long way from the Garden of Eden, right?  
  Jesus was willing to bear the cost of this for us.  Such are the sacrifices that are made out of love -- we choose to restrain ourselves.  In marriage, each spouse gives up other options to make a commitment.  It's a sacrifice, but one the beloved makes willingly, because the reward of complete trust and mutual love is well worth the sacrifice.
  So when we're amazed at the sacrifice, realize that it's made because Jesus thinks the reward of spending eternity with you is with it.  Jesus constrains himself because he loves you.  The creator of the world, who could have no constraints, takes them on out of love and devotion.  
  Clearly, you're worth a lot to God.

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