Early in His ministry, Jesus spoke sobering words concerning how it would go forHis followers.
The day He was crucified His cryptic words likened Himself to “the green tree.”It causes us to pause to consider how Jesus uses suffering in our lives.
Slowly read and reflect on what follows.
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I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. Be as wary as serpents and harmless as doves.But beware! For you will be arrested and tried, and whipped in the synagogues.
Yes, and you must stand trial before governors and kings for my sake. This will give you the opportunity to tell them about me, yes, to witness to the world.
Near His crucifixion, beaten and bloody carrying His cross, Jesus stumbles, turns to onlookers, and says these few cryptic and prophetic words, For if they do these things in the green tree, what will happen in the dry?
Luke 21:31
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Years, after Jesus was raised from the dead His tiny band of brothers and sisters, overcame many obstacles but were successful in continuing on in Jesus Way.
Today, the Living Word of God reminds you and me saying “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you.” 1 Peter 4:12 NASB
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ImagineYou are in the crowd as Jesus slowly crawls toward His crucifixion.He IS the green tree and in essence, He says to us “If they do this to Me, what may happen to you?”
ActionReflect on Jesus’ Passion: betrayal, beatings, harsh words, fatigue, hunger, and thirst, at the hands of fellow humans.Are you ready to follow Jesus in this way?
Are you hearing Jesus’s invitation to go deeper?
Ask JesusGrow a deep soul in me!Help me become a more devoted follower.Take me.Break me. Make me.Mold me.
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