I wonder what Jesus thought on this day about 2,000 years ago?  He knew it would be his last week on earth, he knew who would betray him and yet he knew he had to finish the work before him!

How would you have handled it?  I mean really, how would you have handled the next week if you had all the powers and benefits of being the Son of God?  I wonder how many people would have simply said, "I'm God and you sinners are on your own because I see where you are in 2,000 years and it's simply not worth it!"

How many would have talked to Judas this coming up week and been able to keep a straight face as he supposedly pledged a loyalty and love to you, but you know differently!

Let's add some flavor to this thought...What would you do if it were modern day, Jesus had just been born 33 years ago and his final week started today...how would the world look different if you were in his shoes and with her personality and mission?

Some may say they would march to Washington and straighten out that mess, some may say the would solve the worlds problems and peace would be ours.  Jesus Christ, I don't think would ever bother with any of those issues.

Not once in the scriptures does he talk about his purpose was to bring peace on earth, cheap prices at the pump or a United States government that doesn't seemingly rip the American people off!

What he does do is express concern for the lost!  His mission would be complete in about seven days and the reason for his coming would be realized!  I am sure he was not concerned with the things of this earth that he knew would fade away one day.  He was, and is, more concerned with that which will last for all eternity... our souls!

I used to think of God as my observer, my judge, keeping track of the things I did wrong, so as to know whether I merited heaven or hell when I die. He was out there, sort of like a president. I recognized His picture when I saw it, but I didn't really know Him. 

But later on, when I met Jesus, it seemed as though life was rather like a bike, but it was a tandem bike, and I noticed that Jesus was in the back helping me pedal. I didn't know just when it was He suggested we change, but life has not been the same since I took the back-seat to Jesus, my Lord. He makes life exciting. When I had control, I thought I knew the way. It was rather boring, but predictable. It was the shortest distance between two points. 

But when He took the lead, He knew delightful long cuts, up mountains, and through rocky places and at break-through speeds; it was all I could do to hang on! Even though it often looked like madness, He said, "Pedal!" I was worried and anxious and asked, "Where are you taking me?" He laughed and didn't answer and I started to learn to trust. I forgot my boring life and entered into adventure. And when I'd say, "I'm scared", He'd lean back and touch my hand.

He took me to people with gifts that I needed, gifts of healing, acceptance and joy. They gave me their gifts to take on my journey, our journey, my Lord's and mine. And we were off again. He said, "Give the gifts away; they're extra baggage, too much weight." So I did, to the people we met, and I found in giving I received, and still our burden was light. 

I did not trust Him, at first, in control of my life. I thought He'd wreck it, but He knows bike secrets, knows how to make it bend to take sharp corners, jump to clear high rocks, fly to shorten scary passages. And I am learning to shut up and pedal in the strangest places, and I'm beginning to enjoy the view and the cool breeze on my face with my delightful constant companion, Jesus. 

And when I'm sure I just can't do any more, He just smiles and says... "Pedal."