Mark 10:32
Have
you ever noticed that the person in the front of the crowd, the one with the
camera pointed at them, is usually the one that gets shot in the movie. Of
course in typical Hollywood style, that same person miraculously continues in
their valiant pursuit of the enemy, despite having lost use of their arm, leg
and perhaps even an eye. And of course they die in the beautiful woman’s arms
after the death kiss.
Leading
in any context can be a very lonely journey. Often modern leaders become
isolated from their followers. The demands of leading seem to take over and
consume time and energy that would otherwise be spent with the followers. For
some, the demands of leadership and the honors that get bestowed by the
followers lead to a false sense of importance. They begin to believe the
adulations of those who follow. The drink the cool aide themselves. This is a
dangerous position as a leader. When you believe your own spin, you are in
trouble.
Jesus
is on His way to Jerusalem. He knows it will mean His death and all that
entails, and yet He leads the group headed in that direction. Perhaps it is the
crowd of devout Jews who are headed to Jerusalem for the Passover Feast. There
would have been thousands who would make that journey each year. It was
required of all devout Jewish men. The roads would have been filled with fellow
Passover pilgrims.
But
Jesus wasn’t going to celebrate as so many others were going to do. He was
going to His crucifixion. Not quite the same journey!
And
yet, we see Jesus leading the way. What would make someone who knows they are
going to be killed so eager, so bold, to lead the way? What drove Jesus to
lead? I am not so sure I would want to lead. How about you? I might want to get
lost in the crowd.
But
Jesus knows the final outcome, and what that journey will bring about for us.
He is willing to serve us, even at the cost of His life. There is no cost too great
for Him. He knows the suffering that lays ahead. He knows the humiliation and
the torment. And yet He moves forward, leading the way.
One
of the greatest testimonies that I have witnessed is when someone knows they
are dying, and still takes the opportunity to witness and encourage those who
come to visit them. They are in great pain, and yet they can speak of God’s
goodness and faithfulness, even in the pain. And what is more amazing is that
they are genuine in their proclamation and everyone knows it. They are not
putting on an act for an audience. They are being true to themselves and to
their Lord.