What Is Your Perspective on Jesus?
This is an audio recording of What Is Your Perspective on Jesus? the Day 29 entry in Today for Seafarers (Vol. 1) devotional by Jason Zuidema.
Listen to the audio by Sheila Margerrison or read the text below:
“A large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests made plans to kill
Lazarus as well, for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him.
The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting,
“Hosanna!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Blessed is the king of Israel!”
Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written:
“Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.”
At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that these things had been done to him.”
Have you noticed that people from different parts of the world often have different perspectives about life? Even if looking at the same event, their perspectives can lead to very different opinions. The same thing happens at this important event in Jesus’ life, recorded in John 12:9-16. Several groups have different perspectives on the same actions of Jesus. And only one of those perspectives leads to life.
First, as Jesus enters Jerusalem, we see a large crowd following him. They are amazed at the miracle he has done by raising a man from the dead, and they want to see more.
Another group, the Jewish religious leaders, are watching Jesus and the crowds. They view Jesus as an obstacle to their religious power. They want to kill Jesus and put his “movement” to an end.
Third, another crowd comes out of the city to meet Jesus and his disciples. They were in Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover, a great religious festival, and they had heard of the amazing things Jesus had done. So they came out waving palm branches, calling out to Jesus as if he were a political victor coming to claim his throne.
Fourth, Jesus’ disciples realize, after some time, that his work fulfilled the prophecies of Scripture and that his mission was to save all who would believe in him from the curse of sin.
Jesus knew his mission was not to become a king who would overthrow the power of Rome in Jerusalem. Sitting on a donkey, he showed that his power was not about military might but humble service to God. His power would be revealed in his death and resurrection.
Jesus’ perspective is the same as his disciples, and is the perspective that leads to life. Christians today have the gift of the Holy Spirit to understand the gospel, the good-news message of Jesus. Do you want to read God’s Word to find out more? We all need to read Scripture to understand who Jesus Christ is!
Whether we are at home or on board ship, we must take time to examine our thoughts and desires in the light of God’s Word, so that we can live our lives as Christ calls us to. John, one of Jesus’ disciples, tells us why this message is so important: “Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:30-31).
For Further Thought
Do you understand the purpose of Jesus coming to earth? It was for you!
What will you do with Jesus?
Prayer
Dear Lord, Thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, to die for me. I am sorry for my sins and repent. Please save me and help me to live for you. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen
