Jesus referred to himself as a shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep. Certainly during this coming week, Holy Week, we see that image become reality. On Holy Thursday, he gave us his body to be our nourishment and means of total union with him; on Good Friday, he completed that gift by sacrificing his body on the cross. When we are asked to "go the extra mile" for others, even if they just ask for prayers, if we think for a moment about what Jesus did, we will gladly do whatever we can, "lay down our life", to help.
He "emptied himself", so can we. And like a good friend, he is there at our side to guard us against the temptation to selfishness, and to guide, strengthen and encourage us to do whatever is asked of us. The big dramatic requests are few and far between for most of us, but the little daily demands are always with us. May not be blind or deaf to them as they are the means to walk in the footsteps of Jesus and become more like him. May we be attentive to today's opportunities, and in the week ahead, ponder the events in the final week of Jesus' life that they may inspire us to make his self-giving the pattern of our lives.
Bro. Rene
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