Who is Jesus? - Lev. 15 & Matt. 27a

Well today has been a fun day - a snow day! We've had a few of those lately... Typically today is my busiest day of the week, being a Wednesday, but when school is canceled we cancel church also - so instead today has been a restful play day. I have been able to play with my kids, and watch a Disney movie, and take a nap, do some reading...nice.

I am almost done with a life-changing book for me - The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard. I highly recommend it to anyone, but you have to have some commitment to get through it. It's not a quick, easy read, but it's well worth the investment of time and thought. He begins by going through the Beatitudes, but basically uses that info (which is half of the book) to launch into his discussion of what the phrase "the kingdom of the heavens" (which is used continuously throughout the NT and is a big theme that we basically ignore in church) means. Towards the end of the book he goes into a BRILLIANT discussion of how exactly to make disciples. The whole book is worth this end part, but I don't suggest skipping to it.... Anyway...the whole reason I bring up this book is because in part of my reading today the author talks about how our view of Jesus and our life completely impacts our ability and desire to follow Him. Which leads to today's NT reading...

Matthew 27 tells the beginning of Jesus' crucifixion story. He is taken to "court" and accused and questioned, but He remains silent. The only time He speaks up is to affirm His identity as one of His accusers asked, "Are you the king of the Jews?" The passage goes on to tell that the people cheered for Pilate to have Jesus crucified. So Pilate sent Him to be flogged and beaten, which would only be the beginning of Jesus' temporary "end."

As Dallas Willard suggests, it does indeed make me love Jesus, that He took the abuse and accusations and ultimately death because of his love for me and you. And that love for Jesus that comes about in me when I think of Jesus' love and sacrifice turns into a desire to obey and follow Him.

As you go through life may you continue to learn how much God loves you and may you help others to learn this as well. Jesus' love is truly life-changing.