Crucial, last-chance appointments

LENT: THE LAST CAMPAIGN

Jesus knew exactly when, where and how he would die, giving his life as ransom for sinners. He knew that this cosmic moment would happen within a few weeks.

Near the Galilean border, 10 lepers pleaded for healing. He sent them to the priest, as the law prescribed. Believing his word, they were healed on their way. One of them, a Samaritan, would not be welcomed by the priest. He returned and thanked Jesus, who was surprised that only one did that.

They turned eastward to the Jordan Valley. Most pilgrims from Galilee chose that road to the Passover, avoiding the one through Samaria, which was inhabited by a mixed race, despised by Jews. Pilgrims travelled in groups for safety and company. When mothers brought their little children to Jesus, he received and blessed them, saying that people must receive God’s kingdom like children.

A young, wealthy ruler asked Jesus what he must do to obtain eternal life. When Jesus pointed him to the Ten Commandments, he said he had kept them since childhood. Then Jesus laid his finger on his main problem: materialism. The thought of breaking with his possessions was unbearable, and he left disappointed. Jesus remarked that it is as hard for the wealthy to enter God’s kingdom as it is for a camel to go through a needle-gate.

When Jesus announced his death and resurrection again, James and John thought they would be killed as well. They asked to sit next to Jesus in his heavenly kingdom. Jesus said that true greatness is found in service: “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

He demonstrated this truth in the way he treated the poorest and the richest in Jericho. When a blind beggar heard the noise of a passing crowd, learning that Jesus is among them, he started shouting, “Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me!”

Jesus stopped for this beggar, allowing him to express his wish. He only wanted to see — no lofty ideals like James and John. The beggar got what he needed, joined the crowd and followed his Master.

The richest man of town was too short to get a glimpse of Jesus, so he climbed a tree to get a view. Jesus called him down, and joined him for lunch. Hypocrites objected that Jesus reached out to such a vile person. His host vowed to start a new life, and Jesus affirmed that salvation had come to that house: “The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

A week later, Jesus gave his life on the cross to save the lost.

Jacob Van Zyl of Lethbridge is a retired counsellor and the author of several faith-based books.