(A)This...
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(A)
This, to me, is a wonderful passage, because it shows me that Jesus, himself, struggled to understand his mission. In vs. 23 he boldly proclaims that the time has come for his mission to be fulfilled. In vs. 24 he explains the necessity of his death in order to bring others to the kingdom. In vss. 25 and 26 he outlines the necessity of allegiance to him and to the kingdom for salvation. Then, in vs. 27 he admits being troubled in heart and considers and rejects the possibility of asking God to save him. And in vs. 28 he asks for a reassurance from God, which was promptly given in a very dramatic fashion. In vss. 30-32 Jesus returns confidently to a proclamation of the significance of his death.
In the midst of the certainty there is, nevertheless, a question, a moment of panic. Some, of course, will not like to hear that Jesus had moments of fear and uncertainty. But it is a great comfort to me, because it tells me that my own fears and moments of doubt do not place me outside of the faith -- but are a part of the process of growth in faith. And with each experience of overcoming fear and accepting God's reassurance of grace and love, my faith becomes stronger and more resilient.
The Lenten season ought to be a time of permission to admit doubts and fears within the faith and wrestle with them. Jacob wrestled with the angel and it left a scar -- but it also left him with more power to be a servant of God. Examining our hurts and doubts can bring resolution and strength and open them to God's healing. Hiding them and pretending they do not exist can make us sick.
-- Shearburn
This, to me, is a wonderful passage, because it shows me that Jesus, himself, struggled to understand his mission. In vs. 23 he boldly proclaims that the time has come for his mission to be fulfilled. In vs. 24 he explains the necessity of his death in order to bring others to the kingdom. In vss. 25 and 26 he outlines the necessity of allegiance to him and to the kingdom for salvation. Then, in vs. 27 he admits being troubled in heart and considers and rejects the possibility of asking God to save him. And in vs. 28 he asks for a reassurance from God, which was promptly given in a very dramatic fashion. In vss. 30-32 Jesus returns confidently to a proclamation of the significance of his death.
In the midst of the certainty there is, nevertheless, a question, a moment of panic. Some, of course, will not like to hear that Jesus had moments of fear and uncertainty. But it is a great comfort to me, because it tells me that my own fears and moments of doubt do not place me outside of the faith -- but are a part of the process of growth in faith. And with each experience of overcoming fear and accepting God's reassurance of grace and love, my faith becomes stronger and more resilient.
The Lenten season ought to be a time of permission to admit doubts and fears within the faith and wrestle with them. Jacob wrestled with the angel and it left a scar -- but it also left him with more power to be a servant of God. Examining our hurts and doubts can bring resolution and strength and open them to God's healing. Hiding them and pretending they do not exist can make us sick.
-- Shearburn
