I Love You This Much!

John 10:16-18
New International Version (NIV)
16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. 17 The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”

"I love you this much." There is nothing like having your little one look at you, hold their arms open, and say those words to you. To that small child, holding their arms out symbolizes the biggest thing in the world, because to a child the world is only as big as what they can see, what they can touch, where they can reach. To hold their arms out as wide as they can and to say I love you this much, well that means they love you with all that they are, with all of their world.

As we grow older we realize that the world is so much bigger than what we can wrap our arms, and our minds, around. The world becomes this big, and sometimes scary, place that demands too much from us and pulls us in a million different directions. No one knew this better than Jesus. He had people coming to him for healing, for advice, for blessings. He had the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Herodians all trying to trip him up at every turn. He had his own disciples constantly misunderstanding what he was saying, bickering among themselves about who was the greatest, and struggling to wrap their minds around who it really was that they were calling rabbi. Add to all of this that throughout his entire ministry Jesus knew that the end awaiting him was a painful, torturous death.... I think that we can confidently say that Jesus knew what it was like have his plate full, to see the world as a giant, ominous place.

As Easter quickly approaches we are reminded to reflect on the Passion week, the events leading up to the crucifixion and the resurrection. We are asked to remember how Jesus entered Jerusalem celebrated in the manner of kings with cries of Hosanna and the laying of palm leaves at his feet. We are reminded of how he cleared the temple and taught bravely in the face of those who were already plotting his death. We remember how much he wished that you and I could be saved without the need for his suffering, "If it is possible, let this cup pass from me." We can see anguish as he prayed so hard that he bled, but above all we see that when the Father said, "there is only one way, one atonement for the sins of man." that Jesus walked that lonely path, spread his arms wide and told both you and I, "I love you this much" as they nailed him to the cross!

Thank you Jesus that you chose the nails, that you took the punishment that I deserve, that you loved me that much then, and that you still love me that much today! I ask your forgiveness of my short comings and your guidance on my life. Please take me and use me to your glory, to further your kingdom. Hosanna in the heighest, my Lord and my King, I love you this much!