Roll Up: Jesus’ Desire, Power, Protection & Patience
July Roll Up:
This month we looked at Jesus’ desire for us but also contrasted that with Jesus’ power and strength. We also looked at His protection and patience.
Initially we looked at Jesus desiring the two disciples on the road to Emmaus to constrain Him to come in (Luke 24:28). He wants them to be so hungry to be with Him that they reach out to Him to come in and eat with them, even though He acts like He is going further. Next we reviewed the fact that He ‘wanted’ or deeply desired to eat His last Passover meal with His disciples before He suffered for them and us (Luke 22:15)! He wants the interaction and fellowship with… humans! We also looked that Jesus wanting the disciples to watch and pray with Him in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36). Partly this was for their own good to be protected from temptation. But additionally, He was going to the cross for humans and wanted His friends to be with Him during His agonizing preparation.
Contrast His rich desires with the fierceness of His power and strength. With a couple words, “I am He,” power is released and the detachment of soldiers and Judas fall to the ground (John 18:6) as they seek to arrest Jesus. Then consider Jesus’ strength. After being beaten with Roman fists, rods and finally whipped with leather than contains bits of metal and bone in it – Jesus “stands” before Pilate and crowd. He marshals His physical body and forces it to stand erect by sheer strength of will! Pilate says, “Behold the Man!” – as a proclamation! (John 19:5 NASB)
Between Jesus desire and His strength we covered His protection and patience. Jesus protects Mary’s devotion to Himself from Martha’s agenda (Luke 10:38). He won’t let her fire (desire) be quenched. It’s protection. Lastly we looked at the second time the 12 disciples sharply argue about which one of them is the greatest! (Mark 10:35) James and John, with the help of their mother, try to seize the right and left hand positions next to Jesus’ eternal throne! Jesus doesn’t get upset or accuse them of sin but instructs them so they may repent and grow.
As we continue to employ John 14:9 “If you have seen Me, you have seen the Father” – we get a more complete picture of God by comparing and contrasting the different aspects of Jesus. The “knowledge” of His character is step number one. But “praying the character of Jesus BACK to Jesus” is step two. And this is where the intimacy and power comes. As you talk to Him about Himself, He gives you deeper insight into Himself.
Prayer: Jesus I delight to know that you desire us to be “with” you. You wanted the disciples to ask you to come in and eat when you walked on the Road to Emmaus. You want us to invite you in to every area of our lives. Help us desire you more than material possessions and the praise of men and women! Help me know when you want me to pray with you. Help me know how you want me to partner with you in life. I am amazed by your power and strength. It is a wonderful combination with your humility and compassion. I love your protection of Mary – protect my heart towards you from those who would scorn my faith! Thank you for your patience with me when I sin like James & John did. Help me know how to be truly great in your eyes!
