luke 22: the fulfillment

Today’s Reading: Luke 22

“It is written: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors’; and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. Yes, what is written about me is reaching its fulfillment.” Luke 22:37

As we come to the end of Luke, we see the story unfold of Jesus’ betrayal and death. All the chess pieces are moved into place with Satan entering Judas, Jesus having the last supper with his disciples, and then going to the Garden of Gethsemane, away from the crowds.

As I read it, my heart is sad. I am sad for Judas who allowed himself to be manipulated by Satan. I am sad that Jesus had to endure such an excruciating death, and I am sad for the disciples who watched their leader taken from them, and they couldn’t seem to wrap their human minds around what was going on, even if he predicted his death over and over.

And yet, this was the plan from the beginning. From the moment that sin entered the Garden of Eden so long ago, something had to be done. The tiny baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger was there for a purpose. Not just to be among his people, his creation, but to die for them so they might live.

I encourage you to spend some time in prayer letting that truth soak in. Search for a picture of the Nativity scene online. Look at the tiny baby and know that the cross was his destiny. Then, spend time praising God for the sacrifice that was done for you.​