Matthew 20:17-19 (1599 Geneva Bible)
"17 And Jesus went up to Jerusalem, and took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them,
18 Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief Priests, and unto the Scribes, and they shall condemn him to death,
19 And shall deliver him to the Gentiles, to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him, but the third day he shall rise again."
Most people have their a "DREAM" on how their life will turn out. Some have a desire to be the owner of a large corporation. Others may see a vacation home in the tropics. And some simply forecast themselves retiring from their jobs, doing household chores, and relaxing for awhile.
JESUS came to earth for the expressed intent of being a sacrifice for my sins. No one murdered HIM (John 10:17-18). Everything that happened in JESUS' life was placed by GOD before "the foundation of the world", and HE was there "in the beginning"! (John 1:1-3).
JESUS foretold the humiliation, suffering, crucifixion, and resurrection for the disciples, but they could not "SEE" how that could happen. HIS popularity was exploding and they could not understand that HE had a purpose on HIS life. HE came into the world to provide salvation for me! And nothing could prevent HIM from fulfilling that mission.
We have a PURPOSE for our lives too. The plan GOD had for JESUS was not where HE finished HIS handiwork. GOD has a plan for each life. HE is not surprised or alarmed by things that occur with us. 1 Peter 4 tells us to expect "fiery trials" that come our way, but to rejoice that we are able to "partake" in the sufferings of CHRIST!
JESUS knew the the suffering HE was to endure. Yet, HE came to provide a PLAN for you and me. Shall I expect to live in luxury when my Saviour gave everything for me? Matthew 16:24 indicates we should "take up our cross" and follow HIM! Whatever GOD has planned for my life, I plan to honor HIM! My plan is not just to exist, but to thrive in "PURPOSEFUL LIVING"!!
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