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Jesus’ Cross-Centered Emotions

My ears always perk up whenever we are given insights as to the emotional state of the Savior, particularly in view of the cross. Part of my intrigue stems from his unique position as the perfect man—all of his anticipations, reactions and emotions in general are right. This becomes extremely instructive for me as a Christian. The emotions of the Savior are to calibrate my own.

In John 12 Jesus is looking forward to the cross. He has just raised Lazarus from the dead and the persecution is intensifying. All things are coming together, if you will, and the emotional reality of the cross is setting in with full force. So Jesus says, “Now My soul has become troubled” (John 12.27) The word translated ‘troubled’ carries a certain intensity here. It is used figuratively to speak of an uproar (Acts 17.8), to get angry (Matt. 2.3), of stirring up the water (John 5.7), and of Jesus’ agitation with those at the grave site of Lazarus (John 11.33). Jesus is here feeling the active vice of the wrath of God as the cup is encroaching evermore closely.

So how does he respond? Verse 27 goes on to say, “and what shall I say, ‘Father, save Me from this hour ‘? But for this purpose I came to this hour.”

In light of the fermenting terror that is in this fully mixed cup of divine wrath, the Son of God does not flinch. He reiterates his eternal resolve to go to the cross. He is not looking for a personal pardon for this obligation instead he is resolved to personally become the pardon for his children. This is incredibly rich here. Christian, let these words echo in your soul today, “for this purpose I came to this hour.” Yes, for the purpose of the cross, the purpose of his death, the purpose of your redemption, the purpose of drinking down the dregs of death, smashing the skull of the devil and becoming a curse for the cursed. Let your heart be enflamed today with humble thanksgiving for and to the resolute Son of God who, in the midst of the intensity of Calvary, smiled upon your rebellious soul and marched to Calvary’s hill to bear your sin.

(I aim to write more on this verse tomorrow)

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