The Days Before The Cross-Jesse Tracy

Monday-…”He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem..”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭9‬:‭51‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ ‭

Contemplate what would be your ‘bucket list’. Are those things consistent or might they conflict with the call to ‘lay down your life’?  

Pray for the change in your heart necessary to embody the heart of Christ that would endure suffering to fulfill purpose.

Tuesday- “..and He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves… And those who were blind and those who limped came.. and He healed them.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭21‬:‭12‬, ‭14‬ ‭

Contemplate that we are the temple of God.  He is zealous for us to be pure and holy (Jer 7:1-15).  His heart is to purify and heal His people, often in that order.

Pray the Lord examine your heart, help you to open it to Him, forgive and purify you, and heal what needs to be healed, internally and externally.

Wednesday- “And He was teaching daily in the temple; but the chief priests and the scribes and the leading men among the people were trying to put Him to death…” Luke‬ ‭19‬:‭47‬ ‭‬‬

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Contemplate that while facing certain death, Jesus spoke in the temple largely of removing the Kingdom of God from the unbelievers, and then to His disciples (the new covenant temple) about awaiting watchfully and with lasting endurance for His return.

Pray for the focus, sobriety, and endurance needed to remain faithful to the Lord until the end.

Thursday- “You call Me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord’; and you are correct, for so I am. So if I, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.” John‬ ‭13‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭

Contemplate that Jesus modeled for us, with the crucifixion looming, what prominence in the Kingdom of God requires- servanthood.  Cleanliness in His temple requires both assembly and serving one another.

Pray for opportunities, provision, and a pure heart and motive to serve those around you as Christ’s ambassador.

Friday- “..Jesus took some bread.. He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” ..He gave [the cup] to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; for this is My blood of the covenant, which is being poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.” Matthew‬ ‭26‬:‭26‬-‭28‬ ‭

Contemplate that Jesus went to the cross for us all on Friday. The only begotten Son of God giving Himself up as a sacrificial Lamb whose blood would provide for us the remission of our sins. 

Pray for a deeper understanding of what Jesus’ death on the cross accomplished. Ask for help truly receiving forgiveness and for the skill and opportunities to share this gospel to someone else.