Jesus, Our Valentine

Exodus 37-38 Matthew 28 Psalm 34:11-22 Proverbs 9:9-10

Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” – Matthew 28:10 TNIV

Today is Valentine’s Day. Millions or billions of roses, candy and cards will be purchased by guys looking to make an impression on a special lady. What kind of impression depends on the relationship. Some will be excited to surprise someone. A few romantics may have a more serious proposition to go along with them. Then there are the guys who are trying to stay out of trouble. Still there is always the crowd who forget. And worse, those who say she doesn’t deserve that sort of thing.

So what does this all have to do with Jesus? Thursday night, Jesus asked His closest friends to pray for Him. Instead they slept. On Friday, the disciples abandoned, denied, or backed off from Jesus. It was the hardest 24 hours ever lived by a person. Jesus dies and is buried. The disciples believe He’s gone for good. Now on Sunday morning, Jesus walks up to Mary and Mary and gives them this message. “Don’t be afraid. Have my brothers meet me in Galilee.

These are the guys who didn’t get flowers. Worse, they are the guys who left the one they loved hanging when they were needed most. Most of us today would ask why we would need friends like these. But Jesus loves differently than we do. He brought the roses, candy and cards, even though they didn’t deserve any of it. The truth is, neither do we. We have all been lousy lovers of God. Yet He still wants us for His valentine, even knowing all the ugly things we’ve said and done. So, happy Valentine’s Day! Let’s remember the most amazing love that will live happily ever after.

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your love that blows our minds. Thank You for giving us a love that is not a fairy tale, but real love that will never die. We want this love to live in our hearts today. Amen.