Journey to the Cross

Pause

What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul,
What wondrous love is this, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this, that caused the Lord of bliss
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul!

from “What Wondrous Love Is This,” American Folk Hymn

Listen

After he said these things, Jesus was deeply disturbed and testified, “I assure you, one of you will betray me.”

His disciples looked at each other, confused about which of them he was talking about. One of the disciples, the one whom Jesus loved, was at Jesus’ side. Simon Peter nodded at him to get him to ask Jesus who he was talking about. Leaning back toward Jesus, this disciple asked, “Lord, who is it?”

John 13:21-25

Think

Jesus sees things that we don’t see.

He certainly sees into other people’s hearts in ways that we don’t. Jesus knows Judas is going to betray him, but the disciples don’t — and they’ve been with him for years. They might not be good at judging character, but they do know that Jesus sees what they don’t. They turn right to him, asking him who the betrayer might be.

Have you ever thought to ask Jesus to help you understand the people around you? He can give you insight into who’s going to help you live a godly life, and who might lead you in the other direction.

But Jesus will also make you think about what comes next. He’s known for a long time that Judas was going to betray him (see John 6:71), but Jesus never turns him away. Of course, Jesus’ behavior and values are never changed by Judas along the way.

What do you think would happen if you stayed close with someone who turns away from Jesus?

Chip Hardwick

Pray

Lord Jesus, help me understand the people around me. Give me insight to know whose lives I should imitate. Make me wise so I know how close I should stay to people who do not follow you. Thank you for giving me wisdom when I ask for it. Amen.

Go

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
that were a present far too small;
love so amazing, so divine,
demands my soul, my life, my all.

from “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross,” Isaac Watts