Jesus called those He wanted, and they came to Him. He set aside twelve and gave them certain authority and responsibilities. He reserved special time alone with them to teach and prepare them for their future mission.

One day Jesus decided to return to Judea. He knew it was dangerous and that His own death would occur there. His disciples tried to talk him out of it, but in the end, they followed Him there, knowing it could mean their death as well. ¹

Before entering Jerusalem, they stopped moving about in public and instead went to the village of Ephraim near the desert. Meanwhile, chief priests, elders, and Pharisees made plans to capture and kill Jesus.

True Freedom calls us to follow, not lead.

Judas, however, went to the chief priests and made a deal to betray Jesus. Why? Maybe he wanted Jesus to have an earthly kingdom and thought his way would bring it about sooner. At that point he no longer followed the Light of the world, but was trying to be the leader. ²

During the Passover meal, Jesus confronted him, telling him He knew what Judas was about to do. But Judas continued to follow his ill-fated decision and left to set up the ambush.

In the garden of Gethsemane, Judas led an armed crowd. They surprised the disciples and a brief fight followed, but Jesus put an end to it, assuring them this mob was necessary to carry out His mission. He also assured them of God’s power and authority, even in such a dark time.

Jesus died so that we might have Freedom.

Jesus was led away to the Sanhedrin, where he was interrogated, spit on and beaten. Over the next several hours, He was questioned, tortured, mocked, and humiliated. He was forced to carry a cross and then nailed to it for all to see. And though Jesus had the power to save Himself, He died.

Today we often focus on the horror of Jesus’ death and how no one came to rescue Him. But a daring rescue did occur! And by the One who chose to die in our place. The One who conquered death and forever set us free from its grasp. By the way…He’s alive!

Jesus said, A man who walks by day will not stumble, for he sees by this world’s light. It is when he walks by night that he stumbles, for he has no light. ³

Tell me, do you walk in light this world offers which lasts only a brief time? Or do you walk in the Light of the World that lasts forever? Be certain! Be free!

 

Ciloa Forever!

 

Chuck

 

 

 

Chuck Graham is Founder and Executive Director of Ciloa, an international ministry devoted to encouraging others and teaching them how to encourage one another. He is also an author and speaker. Chuck and his wife, Beverly, live in Lawrenceville, Georgia, USA. Learn more about Chuck and Ciloa at www.Ciloa.org.

 

Footnotes: (1) Read John 11:7-16. (2) Read John 8:12. (3) Read John 11: 9b-10.

Pictures: Banner: Walking in the Light, from the blog “Walking in the Light” by General William Booth, The Salvation Army, go4souls.com. (1) Vineyard at Ain Yabrud, Ephraim, West Bank, Middle East,1937, HistoricalFindings. (2) The Arrest of Jesus, photo created by Matthew Reier, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. (3) Light of the World, created by FaithGraceJesus.com, 6-7-2018.