The Biggest Small Word

Two days ago was Good Friday. But it was only good because today is Sunday. As I read the Scripture that depicts Jesus' last night on earth, I realized again how one key word changes everything.

On the night before his death, Jesus knew he was sought after and he could easily have hidden from the soldiers and religious leaders who wanted him out of the picture. But instead he crossed the Kidron Valley, walking directly to the olive garden where he often met with his disciples, Judas included. Judas, all-too-ready with a kiss to betray his Savior. In that olive garden, Jesus could have, with a word, called on His Father to send twelve legions of angels to protect him from mere man. "But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?" He could have allowed his disciples to fight for his life. But he didn't. Instead, he scolded Peter for drawing his sword and spoke a sentence that would forever overturn a sinner's guilty sentence. To Peter: "Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?" John 18:11. And again in Luke 22:42: "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done."

It is that tiny word "but" that our family celebrates this Easter. It's just three letters long, but without it, we have no way to be made right with God. Without this word, as Paul says, our faith is in vain.

In this word, we see Jesus' absolute obedience to God. Putting flesh aside, putting human thoughts and emotions aside, he chose time and time and time again to obey God.

And how thankful I am today that He did. For a moment there was sorrow, but today there is joy neverending.

As we were putting Luke in the car seat this morning on our way to sunrise service, I said to Luke something like, "It's Easter, buddy!" He looked at us and said, "Is Jesus alive now?"

We'll get to working on his doctrine.

Happy Easter!