One of the things I notice the most about the Passion Story of Easter is the look of sheer determination on the face of Christ. At the triumphal entry and the ensuing cleansing of the temple we can clearly see that He had opportunity to revel in the attention that was being shown Him…but He didn’t. He fixed His eyes on the task before Him. Determined to honor His Father in all that was taking place.
As He serves His disciples in the Upper Room and institutes the meal of Holy Communion, His eyes are fixed on the task before Him. Setting the example, determined to Honor His Father.
As He turns to His Father in the Garden of Gethsemene He is so determined to pray this “thing” through that drops of blood fall from His forehead. Nobody else was able, but He is determined to honor His Father.
Through His betrayal and arrest and His trial, only one thing seems to be on His mind. He is committed to bringing honor to His Father and completing the task He has been given.
On the Cross, though His breathing is shallow and the blood and sweat and tears and bitter wine are searing His eyes, that same look of determination is still there. What a relief, what a joy it must’ve been…to finally close His eyes and utter with His last breath…IT IS FINISHED!
You know, I am certainly thankful for WHAT Jesus accomplished on my behalf on the Cross. But I am also so very thankful for HOW He accomplished it. It’s the HOW that I mostly need to be reminded of. I often let my feelings dictate my actions. I’m a little bit prone to fickle wishy-washy-ness. But Christ sets the example here that I am to follow. He shows me what commitment looks like. May this Easter be a season where we are reminded by the commitment of Christ to give ourselves fully to our Lord, His Church and the people around us. May we be renewed in our commitment and strengthened in our determination to live and serve in such a way that Christ is glorified and God is honored through our faithfulness.
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