If there is anything that we should be reminded of in the days leading up to Resurrection Sunday, it is how much Christ Jesus loves us. It was Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians that they grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ. He wanted them (and us) to know this love that surpasses knowledge.
“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” [Eph 3:16-19]
I’ve read the Gospel accounts of Gethsemane, the trials, the torture and mockery, and the events of the cross. I know about them. I know how Jesus prayed, how many trials there were and before whom they were conducted. I can describe the torture and even how Jesus’ body responded on the cross. I also know the words He spoke there.
I know. But…it is only when I allow myself to “feel between the lines” that I begin to grasp the scope of the love that is buried within. That’s when “knowledge” drops the 18-inches from my head to my heart.
How wide is the love of Christ Jesus? Wide enough to sweat drops of blood across Gethsemane. How long? Long enough to last throughout eternity. How high? High enough to be lifted up from the earth on a rough wooden cross. How deep? Deep enough to bear the nail wounds, the crown of thorns beaten deep into His Head, and the sword that pierced His side. All. For. Us
