Glimpses of the Journey: Journeying With JesusShembull

Losing Sight of the Cross

"Wow! Do they have hot dogs here, too?" That was the question my young son asked the first time he saw the communion elements being passed up and down the rows at church. Saying I was mortified is an understatement! His eyes grew wide as he watched, no longer able to contain his hope that hot dogs would be next! He could not grasp the moment's holiness, which was being reflected on, remembered, and celebrated.

I am reminded of his lack of understanding when I read part of today's Scriptures, leading up to the crucifixion. You see, Jesus and His apostles reclined at the table as Jesus shared with them how eager He had been to have that moment with them before He suffered. And yet, somehow, they began to argue over who was the greatest.

Despite all they had heard and witnessed, they, too, were unable to grasp the holiness and significance of the moment. As I marvel at the timing of their dispute – the looming of the cross being mere hours away - I am confronted with the thought that I, too, can so quickly lose sight of the cross.

Contrast that which was on the heart and mind of the disciples with that which was on the heart and mind of Christ: "He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt and prayed, 'Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.' An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground."

"The very greatness of God is finally demonstrated, not in the height and glory of His eternal throne, but in the depth and grace of His amazing stoop to our humanity and to the death of the Cross." (G. Campbell Morgan)

Oh, may we not be distracted by the "hot dogs" this world has to offer – or be caught up in thinking solely about ourselves, but instead, in gratitude and humility, may we live in light of the cross. And in unswerving hope and expectation, live in light of the resurrection.