My 4 year Annalise and I used to play a game. I would say
“Who loves you?” and she would say “Ellie!” (sister). I would say “who else?” and she would list the rest of her siblings. “Who else?” “Grammie and Papa!”. We would go on like this until we got to Daddy and our cat. Then I would say “Anna, who loves you the most?” and she would shout “Jesus!”
I thought of this, this morning as I was reading Luke 22. I have so loved reading through Luke in the Passion Translation. Everywhere He went Jesus brought life and truth. He was constantly releasing freedom, speaking in power, redeeming the lost.
Then we get to Luke 22. Jesus and His disciples eating the last supper. As they all sat down Jesus says some startling words. “I have longed with passion and desire to eat this Passover lamb with you before I endure my sufferings”.
Why would Jesus have longed for this moment? As I read this chapter my heart and eyes were full of tears. Jesus knew what was coming. He knew ALL that the road to the cross would entail. It’s hard to comprehend humanly. Which of us, knowing the greatest suffering of all was upon us, would have mental capacity to long for a meal with people, some of which would deny and leave you in your time of deepest pain?
Then I remembered what this meal symbolized. This meal forever would be a reminder of the new covenant that was unfolding now. The bread and the wine. It spoke of the body and blood of Jesus that would be offered for the broken and the lost. for us. for me. It is what the path is paved of – the path that leads into the Presence of God. The body and blood of Jesus represents new life. It represents salvation, healing, provision, eternal life, unhindered relationship with an Almighty God. Jesus longed with passion and desire for us to know and experience this.
The suffering that was ahead was worth it to Him, so that we could know true love, life and healing.
This morning I feel Him whispering “Who loves you most, Sarah?”
You do Jesus! You do!
Thank you sister for this wonderful reminder! Your words take me back to the words of our dear mother every morning when she would drop us off at Rose Hill Junior High School. As a group of less than cheerful teenagers collected our books and lunch bags and got out of the van her parting words every morning were “remember who loves you!” She had shown us her unconditional love by getting up early and making us delicious sandwiches on homemade bread making sure that we had everything we needed… I had no doubt of her love… no, she was asking us to remember the One who showed us His love by paying the ultimate price at the cross to bring us into relationship with His Father. She was encouraging us to walk in the light and reality that love! As I think back to I have no doubt that her quiet drive home was spent in prayers for us. Prayers that I have no doubt are being answered even today! “Remember who loves you!”
I love this! She was such a beautiful and constant source of love to us! And she herded that red and white beast of a van around like a boss. So grateful for her and how she pointed us to Him!
Amen! ❤️❤️❤️👆
wonderfull reminder – thanks Sarah!
Love you!!
Amen sister! So thankful for His love!!!! Thank you for this beautiful reminder of our Saviors love for us!
Love you,