Jesus is fully aware of the wickedness of the people around Him. They had just beaten Him until blood was pouring down His face. His back was deeply cut and bleeding after a whipping, bruises covered His body, and His beard had been ripped from his skin. Make no mistake, Jesus knew these people well. So, his plea for forgiveness is mind blowing! What motivates such radical forgiveness?
Why do we often wait to express our love for someone until they are gone? Why do we sometimes insist on nurturing emotional scars and offenses while our loved ones yet live, but declare our love when they are dead? What a difference the church makes when we simply love as God has called us to love one another!
What keeps you motivated? Is it peer-to-peer comparison or financial gain? Is it recognition or praise? Is it fear or embarrassment? Our motivations often vary depending on the task at hand. Let me ask a more pointed question: what keeps your walk with Jesus motivated? You will find that the answer to this question is not accidental or happenstance, but it is more so, purposeful.
