A Death Foretold

Two weeks from today, Jesus will die.

More than once before His death, Jesus foretold it. In Matthew 19:17-19, we have one such prediction. "I'm going to Jerusalem", He said, "and when I get there, death awaits; an unjust, cruel, mocking, shameful, horrific death at the hands of pagan rulers according to the wish and will of the religious leaders of My own people."

"But I'm going anyway."

As Good Friday draws closer, it might be good to reflect on why Jesus might have made this prediction. I wouuld offer these possible reasons:

1. He did not want his followers to be shocked by the dark days ahead, and made vulnerable by the shock. God is kind this way: He tells us often in His Word that the way of faith and obedience leads to many sorrows and much suffering so that when it happens we will not be surprised or dismayed.
2. He wanted them to know that He was fully aware of every dark development, even before it happened, so that they would know His calm and sovereign purpose in it all. Things were happening as planned by God (Acts 2:23; 4:26-28). Calvary was not a mistake or surprise, bringing our Lord's life to an untimely end; it was the reason and purpose for which He had come into the world.
3. He wanted them to know the greatness of His love. How much does Jesus love His people? Enough to walk straight ahead, fully aware that every step was leading Him closer to the cross. He didn't flinch or panic or turn back. He came to redeem those He loves through His death, and that's what He did.

He stared death in the face, and walked right into its grasp. Behold the purposeful sovereign loving grace of Christ.