Thursday, April 17, 2014

A Most Lonely Place

Did Jesus ever feel lonely and get depressed? He certainly had reason to.

No one really understood him. Yes, he had friends. Close friends even. But they didn't really "get" him. When he was in his deepest times of distress they were drifting off to sleep or arguing amongst themselves. Like the night we call Maundy Thursday.

Jesus shared the most important meal of the year with his friends - his disciples. It was the passover meal - remembering how lambs had been sacrificed and their blood had delivered them from the hands of slavery many years previous. Now, knowing he was about to become the ultimate sacrifice Jesus talked to them about what was about to happen. They didn't understand. He taught and demonstrated how they should serve others. They didn't get it. Instead, they argued over who would be the greatest! I wonder how Jesus felt? Alone?

Then they went to the garden. To pray. I know, sometimes it is hard to concentrate and stay awake when others are praying. But, Jesus was in a crisis - deep crisis. He felt the pain so deeply that he displayed extreme physical symptoms of his anguish. And his 'faithful' disciples? They were asleep. How did Jesus feel? Alone? Depressed?

Then came the conflict. Jesus was arrested. The friends were brave - for a moment. Then they abandoned him. They scattered. And one of his closest friends wouldn't even admit that he knew Jesus. How did Jesus feel?

And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God
Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart
(Hebrews 12:2-3).

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