[APRIL 22] Like a Lamb

Read: John 15:9-17

"He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before it shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth."

--Isaiah 53:7

In 1602, Italian artist Caravaggio produced a painting called Taking of Christ. This work, an early example of the Baroque style, is compelling. Created in dark hues, it allows the viewer to contemplate Jesus' arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. Two main elements of the scene depicted in the painting demand the observer's attention. The first if Judas as he delivers the traitor's kiss. Immediately, however, the viewer's focus is drawn toward Jesus' hands, which are passively clasped together to show that He offered no resistance to this injustice. Although He possessed the power to create a universe, Christ gave Himself up voluntarily to His captors and to the waiting cross.

Long before this scene took place, Jesus told His listeners that no one could take His life from Him--He would lay it down willingly (John 10:18). This heart of voluntary surrender was propheseid by Isaiah, who wrote, " He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He opened His  mouth (Isa.53:7).

Christ's lamblike self-sacrifice is a grand indicator of His powerful love. "Greater love has no one than this," He explained, "than to lay down one's life for his friends" (John 15:13). Think of it. Jesus loved you that much! --Bill Crowder

Love sent the Savior to die in my stead.

Why should He love me so?

Meekly to Calvary's cross He was led.

Why should He love me so? --Harkness

REFLECT ON THIS:

The nail-pierced hands of Jesus reveal the love-filled heat of God.