Jesus' Dilemma!

For Saturday, August 2, 2025:

John 12:27 NLT, Jesus speaking: “Now my soul is deeply troubled. Should I pray, ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But this is the very reason I came!”

One cannot look forward to crucifixion with joy. Not only is death is the end result, but it’s a horrendous and callous way to take someone’s life. The floggings in the hot sun that preceded the actual crucifixion may have been a blessing for the victim. In their weakened state, death would come quickly. The Romans had perfected this hideous manner of execution.

Jesus was known for healing the sick, raising the dead and casting out demons. He was an excellent teacher of the Bible, expositing scripture with clarity that had been missing for centuries. But his main purpose in coming to Earth was to be the sacrifice for the sins of the world. If he’s a sacrifice, that implies death, and no one looks forward to dying. But it would be a perfect fit with the Father’s plan for rescuing mankind. So what to do? Do you see the dilemma?

Of course we all know how the story ends. Jesus was obedient, and he chose to take the sins of the world to the place of the dead. Believers are the beneficiaries of his actions. What those around him didn’t quite understand was that he’d be back in three days, full resurrected, brought back to life! Jesus’ followers could see him and hear him speak for another forty days before he ascended back to the Father. The followers could bring their friends and show them the miracle of Jesus’ resurrection. Fence sitters would leap to the “Jesus Camp!”

Jesus commissioned us to make disciples of all nations, and we can retell this story any time it might be helpful!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship