Originally Posted by Mike Young March 2016
I love Luke 18:31. It’s one of my favorite Easter verses. It’s also one of my favorite verses about manhood.
And taking the twelve, he said to them, “See we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished…
The passage goes on…
For he will be delivered over to the Gentiles and will be mocked and shamefully treated and spit upon. And after flogging him, they will kill him and on the third day he will rise.” But they understood none of these things. This saying was hidden from them, and they did not grasp what was said.
How can we not be overcome by the fact that Jesus knew the difficulty of his assignment but chose to press on toward fulfillment of God’s plan? I’m amazed by his resolve, his obedience and his love for you and me. I’m thankful for the gospel message of redemption that comes through the cross and the empty tomb.
I’m also encouraged and humbled by the model of manhood that is presented for us. Jesus knew God’s will, in his flesh he wished for a different way. But, he submitted to the Father’s will.
I would encourage you, men. Take some time this weekend to consider Jesus’ obedience and resolve.
Here’s a question… Is there something that you know God wants you to do that you would rather avoid? Is there a challenge you must face? A relationship that you must work to restore? Is there a conversation that you should have?
Perhaps we should ask God to give us Christ-like resolve to move toward the difficult thing for His glory.
Another favorite Easter/Manhood passage is Hebrews 12:1-2…
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 ESV