April 5, 2010
Luke 23
Pastor Jeff Allen
I enjoy both playing and watching sports. I especially enjoy this time of year, during the NCAA Basketball Tournament that’s often called “March Madness” and concludes tonight.
In many ways, the tournament is unpredictable. Games are often won within the final minute, and there seems to be one person who rises to the occasion. Under pressure and stress, this player does what many viewers hope that they could do in the same situation. He doesn’t allow pressure to change the way he plays normally.
In Luke 23, we read about the final minutes of Jesus’ earthly life and the extreme stress that must have taken place during the accusations of His trial, as well as physical and emotional pain.
Jesus’ words - or the lack of them - reveal the depth of a man who was wholly committed to God. His whole life was lived to serve others, demonstrating love in amazing ways. For example,
- “He [Herod] asked question after question, but Jesus refused to answer. Meanwhile, the leading priests and the teachers of religious law stood there shouting their accusations.” (verses 9-10, NLT)
- “Jesus said, ‘Father forgive these people, because they don’t know what they are doing’.” (verse 34, NLT)
- His last words: “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands.” (verse 46)
During the most stressful time of His life, Jesus rose to the occasion and didn’t become bitter or resentful for the blatant lies said about Him. He responded with self-control, demonstrating amazing compassion - even to those who were killing Him - by asking God to forgive them. Finally, He put His faith in God and allowed God’s will to be done.
These responses and actions were typical for Jesus throughout His life. He was essentially preparing for the big moment and, in the most stressful time of His life, He did what others hope that they can do. He didn’t let stress change the way He functioned normally.
In your life, how does stress change the way that you respond?
Did you know? In addition to his love for sports, Pastor Jeff enjoys playing guitar.
