Jesus Conquered Our Mess!

Text: John 18:1-11

• Jesus willingly went into the garden.
• Jesus willingly stepped forward and identified himself.
• Jesus willingly restrained His power.
• Jesus willingly sacrificed His life for His friends.
• Jesus knew the pain, shame, and humiliation that was ahead.

The author of Hebrews tells us that Jesus willingly did all of this for the joy that was set before him (Hebrews 12:2). Jesus went to the Cross because of the joy it would bring. He looked right through the Cross to the coming joy, the joy of bringing salvation to those whom he loves!

What amazing love and obedience!

Jesus set the example for our motivation in this life: “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work” (John 4:34). Jesus was concerned with pleasing His Father, and so should we be motivated by that same concern. He always did the Father’s will, motivated by pleasing Him through obedience (John 8:29). His obedience extended all the way to the cross, where He humbled Himself and “became obedient unto death” (Philippians 2:8).

Not only does Jesus set an example for our motivation to do the Father's will, but He also gives us the power to do it! Paul speaks to the implications of the resurrection when he writes in Philippians 3:10, "I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death,"

Keep your eyes on Jesus today, and remember:

• Nothing can separate you from God's love.
• Your guilt is gone.
• Jesus took your punishment.
• You will never experience condemnation for your sins.
• You can know Jesus and share in His death.
• You can experience the mighty power that raised Him from the dead!

The empty grave tells us that today is all about Jesus!