When you hammer a nail but hit your thumb, the whole world shrinks to the size of that thumb. Nothing else matters as the nerve endings scream. That’s the nature of pain – it makes us very self-focused. But instead of living with just a throbbing thumb, what if you were told of your own upcoming torture and horrific execution? Jesus knew. Watch how he handles it, not allowing His pain to be the center of His world. Instead, He serves. How is that possible?
About this Message
The scene in John 13 opens with Jesus and His disciples in the Upper Room. Nobody there knew Jesus would face arrest that night, endure six trials, each of which was illegal, and suffer torture and crucifixion the next day. Listen to His words, watch His actions, and wonder at His selflessness.
There are not many examples in Scripture of men or women who knew ahead of time their world would change dramatically. How did the following people face change? Do you see any patterns?
- God’s message to Noah and the communities’ response – Genesis 6:9-7:12
- Lot and his extended family – Genesis 19
- Hezekiah and his death date – II Kings 20
Go Deeper Questions
Time limits on life can be as sobering as they are tragic. “Terminal” is not a word that brings rejoicing. Have you personally stepped into the emotional whirlpool of such a diagnosis? Has a loved one? What might it take to get to a point of stepping out of the personal crisis in order to serve others?
What examples or life messages might help you to think of others when surrounded by anguish? (Do you understand that this is primarily a work of grace, a gift from God?)