Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
John 12:23-25
Questions
What is your natural reaction when you see someone fall down?
Have you ever stumbled in public? How did that feel to be seen that way?
What’s unsettling about having weaknesses?
Meditation
Weakness? Not of His Spirit, for Jesus was here. But He was human. And the turmoil, the torture, the trials were taking their toll. But this is HOPE. He knows what we go through. He knows our struggles. Take in the words of this poem by Elizabeth Mowers, Jesus Fell.
It’s not quite Hope
At least, not in the way I typically find it.
Not the majestic swell at the turning of the tide —
Things are looking up!
Just you wait and see!
No.
It’s not that. It’s quieter than that.
Like something that snagged on a fencepost
In an otherwise empty street.
Some small piece of patterned fabric
Vaguely recalling recent festivities.
And I almost miss it.
Jesus Fell.
Three times, actually.
He fell and needed to be helped up.
The Creator of skin and bones and
Muscles and ligaments
And energy and movement
Found He could not go on.
Allowed for the stumble.
The failing.
And relied on the strength of others.
It is not majestic.
No.
Nevertheless.
I take comfort.
He has been here.
He is near.
Closing Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me realize You understand.