JESUS KNEW
Bernadette Keene
Today’s Scripture: “From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” Matthew 16:21, ESV
Theme: Jesus knew He would both die and be resurrected.
THE HEAVENLY PERSPECTIVE
From a heavenly perspective, Jesus always knew who He was and what His earthly mission would be. The omniscience of God is proof that He knew and knows all things, including the plan and purpose for His life on earth as a human. When Jesus was twelve years old, He went missing from the caravan as His family traveled home from Jerusalem. When His parents found Him, His response seems to indicate that He understood His mission, yet the Bible does not make that clear. Jesus came to an understanding of His mission early in life, stating in Luke 4:18-19, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for He has sent me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released” (NLT). The Bible is not clear on exactly when Jesus “knew,” but He demonstrated who He was through His words, miracles, and sacrificial death and resurrection. God knew we would need a Savior, and because of His great love for us, He sent His son.
EVEN WHEN
When I think about what Jesus knew, my heart is filled with gratitude. I am overcome by emotion when I think of the wretchedness of my life. How could I be so loved and valued after all I have done? Why would He? How could He? I have walked a long road with the Lord; He knows everything about me and still chooses me every day – even when I fail Him. I am so thankful. There is nothing we can do to cause Jesus to stop loving us. Even when we sin, He is right there waiting for us to return to Him with open arms. He knew we would need Him; He knew we would reject Him; He knew we would fail Him and still gave Himself for us.
Make It Personal: If you struggle to believe how deeply loved you are by God, I encourage you today with these words from Jeremiah 31:3b, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, I have continued my faithfulness to you” (ESV).
Pray: Father, thank You for loving us so faithfully, even when we struggle to believe it. Thank You for Your Word that teaches and encourages us in times of doubt. Help us Lord to demonstrate our love to You through obedience and share that love with others. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.
Read: 1 John 3:19-20
Weekly Memory Verse: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14, ESV