Jesus, Can We Talk?
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (ESV)
ME: I can’t imagine the kind of love that you feel for us—for me.
JESUS: I do love you!
ME: I know, even when I sin and do the opposite of what I’m supposed to do. I don’t always deserve Your love.
JESUS: My precious child, I am unable to turn My love on and off for you. Yes, there are time when your choices are not what I would have you choose, but I know the whole story and I love you anyway.
ME: In light of Holy week and Your resurrection, I feel the need to take a sacred pause and just talk to You. I want to feel Your Presence. I know You’re with me because we are talking but my desire is to internalize who You are.
JESUS: Keep talking.
ME: When You rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, There was great curiosity. I’m sure many were caught up in the scene and then leaned over and asked, “Who is this man?” Out of the same mouth that yelled “Hosanna!” came words that sent you to the cross. Were You angry with these people? I would have been furious. They were fickle and they lied.
JESUS: Their curiosity was contagious. Thankfully, You are not Me. You are human. I came to this world to show love, and I forgave them because they did not know what they were doing.
ME: I can’t wrap my mind around that much forgiveness. Was this really how Your ending was supposed to go?
JESUS: Yes, this was all My Father’s plan for eternal life.
ME: But why would Your Father plan such an ugly, painful, and humiliating death?
JESUS: He wanted everyone to see and remember that the sin factor can be overcome with love.
ME: But I can’t love or forgive like You’ve done or continue to do.
JESUS: Those are honest words. That is why you need Me. I am the savior of many—you included. Those who shouted “Hosanna!” knew they needed to be saved but they did not know it was Me.
ME: I do!
JESUS: Please take your desire deeper and try to grasp not the concept of who I am but try to understand who I am for you. I love you!
ME: What can I say but “thank You?”
JESUS: That is sufficient, precious one.