Jesus’ Desire: August 17, 2025
The Greatest Desire: What Jesus Really Wanted
What would you do if you only had one day left? It's a question that makes you think, isn't it? Many of us would probably want to spend that time with the people we love most. As Pastor Michael shared from Luke chapter 22, that's exactly what Jesus wanted to do.
In the midst of a terrible season, with priests, scribes, and even Satan plotting against him, Jesus wasn't focused on fear or escape. Instead, his heart was set on one thing: an intimate, private moment with his closest friends. He "fervently desired" to eat the Passover meal with his disciples before he was to suffer. This wasn't just another dinner; it was a deeply personal gathering with the people he loved.
The entire scene, from the seemingly mystical directions to find a room to the deeply meaningful ceremony, points to one core message: Jesus’s greatest desire is to be close to us. Jesus knew exactly what was coming, but he didn’t run away. He deliberately orchestrated this moment to be with his disciples. He knew his time was short, and his priority was to create a space of closeness and communion.
He established traditions like the Lord's Supper so that we could remember this intimacy. Even as the disciples bickered and worried about who would betray him, missing the significance of the moment, Jesus's focus remained on connection. This is a powerful reminder for us today: our lives are filled with distractions, arguments, and worries. These things can easily steal our focus and keep us from the intimacy Jesus longs to have with us.
Don't let the noise of life—the arguments, the fears, the petty concerns—keep you from the intimacy that Jesus longs to have with you. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and his heart is to be in community with you. The Holy Spirit lives within us, so we can have these cherished moments of closeness with God. Let's make it a priority to draw near to him, whether in community or in our own quiet time. After all, what could be more important than spending time with the one who desires us most?
