DAY 11
THE
Restraint JESUS SHOWED
LIKE A LAMB TODAY’S READING: JOHN 15 : 9 – 17
I
n 1602, Italian artist Caravaggio produced a painting called The Taking of Christ. This work, an early example of the Baroque style, is compelling. Created in dark hues, it allows the viewer to contemplate Jesus’ arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. Two main elements of the scene depicted in the painting demand the observer’s attention. The first is Judas as he delivers the traitor’s kiss. Immediately, however, the viewer’s focus is drawn towards Jesus’ hands, which are passively clasped together to show that He offered no resistance to this injustice. Although He possessed the power to create a universe, Christ gave Himself up voluntarily to His captors and to the waiting cross. Long before this scene took place, Jesus told His listeners that no one could take His life from Him—He would lay it down willingly (JOHN 10:18). This heart
HE WAS LED LIKE A LAMB TO THE SLAUGHTER, AND AS A SHEEP BEFORE ITS SHEARERS IS SILENT, SO HE OPENED NOT HIS MOUTH. ISAIAH 53:7 of voluntary surrender was prophesied by Isaiah, who wrote, “He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth” (ISAIAH 53:7). Christ’s lamb-like self-sacrifice is a grand indicator of His powerful love. “Greater love has no one than this,” He explained, “than to lay down one’s life for ones friends” (JOHN 15:13). Think of it. Jesus loved you that much! o
BILL CROWDER
What does it mean to you that Jesus kept His hands—which flung stars into space—by His side so He could be led away and executed for you?
Dear Jesus, I am in awe of the humble restraint You showed. You were led like a lamb to the slaughter to lay down Your precious life for me.
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