I know things don’t always go the way you plan. I see that you often feel the sting of loneliness. Sometimes it feels like nobody understands, and that you’re left out to dry while everyone else seems to have everything together.

I want to introduce you to someone. His name is Jesus, and He’s in love with you.

Today begins the holiest of all weeks, and we have the opportunity to not only learn a lot about Jesus—we have the graced privilege of knowing Jesus. You’ve heard of Him. He’s the baby who the wise men wouldn’t stop talking about. The star led them to the Little King. He’s the man who told stories to countless crowds. Jesus always had a way to speak into the heart of whoever He was with, making them feel like the only person in the world. He’s the one who by speaking simple words and gentle touch healed so many of the sick among us. Jesus is the God-man. For a long time that was disputed, but this week there is no disputing it. It’s not just a story or a memory.

He invites us to walk with Him this week. We’ve had weeks of preparation throughout lent but today we take a big step forward. You know the deep interior pain you feel like you’ve gotta carry? Name the pain and let’s bring it to the garden. I know it stings to name, but it’s the beginning of healing. I’m not saying it’s going to be easy, but we aren’t alone in the garden. Even in the midst of His own agony in the garden, He calls out to you.

Dear child, stay awake. Pray. Don’t lose hope. The drowsiness continues to set in; how could things get better anyway? There is a whirlwind as Jesus is betrayed and being taken to enter into His passion—to begin the walk to death. Stay close dear one. Words are thrown around. Jesus is beaten profusely, and although you are at a safe distance watching there’s nothing you can do.

My Lord and my God. Jesus turns towards you and you lock eyes. You are the only person in the world. Love for you is the reason for this whole ordeal. He looks down to your shaking hands, and motions for you to come close. He places His hand on your heart and as the warmth of Love spreads throughout your body you feel the pain you’ve been carrying being lifted. His head drops as He takes on that weight; the weight of sin and isolation, the weight that you never thought you’d be freed from. For a moment you feel regret in letting Him carry it, but again He lifts His eyes to yours and silently speaks to your heart that today is to prepare for the tomorrow that your heart has longed for; do not be afraid. You walk beside Him in the silence of Life given.

​His name is Jesus, and He’s in love with you.

When you read the Passion today, what stuck out to you? Which particular moments of what Jesus did hit you in prayer today?

What pain do you have that you can bring to the Lord this week?

What sin are you ready to let God forgive in your life this week as he takes all sin upon himself and goes to the cross?

"Thank you, Lord."

"Jesus is the name that saves."

​"You are the Savior."

Schedule some time each day this week to stop, to pray, and to hear God's voice. Right now look at your calendar and put times on it so that you can be sure to make space for God's voice in this, the holiest of weeks.