We all have stories that shape our lives – moments that will stay with us forever. For me it was the first day of kindergarten, the death of my grandfather, graduating from Texas A&M University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, feeling God’s call to ministry, saying “I do” to my beautiful wife, the birth of each of my three children, and most recently, the death of my father. What is it for you?
Take time to reflect on the moments that, for better or worse, have shaped you and changed the trajectory of your life. We all have those moments. Jesus had his. Here is my take on his top seven.
1. The Temple at Age Twelve (Luke 2:41-52)
This may have been Jesus’ first visit to Jerusalem. Luke tells us that his parents made the pilgrimage every year – which meant they were extremely devout. But, it is unclear whether or not Jesus would have made the trip with them each year. Most Galileans would have had to save for several years to afford the trip.
In any case, the pilgrimage to Jerusalem was considered the highest spiritual experience of a lifetime. The temple complex that Herod built in Jerusalem was 75 years in construction, far surpassing all previous temples. It was considered one of the great wonders of the ancient Mediterranean world. People travelled far and wide to marvel at the grandeur.
Jesus fell in love. He didn’t want to leave.
2. The Baptism (Mt. 3:13-17; Mk. 1:9-11; Lk. 3:21-22; Jn. 1:32-34)
Most cultures have a traditional ceremony in which parents launch their children, introducing them to the world of adulthood. The Bar Mitzva, Quincienera, Cotillion, and High School Graduation come to mind. For Jesus it was his baptism by John the Baptist.
This was the moment God launched his Son and proclaimed him ready for his life’s work. Jesus felt God’s Holy Spirit strong and heavy. He heard his heavenly Father say the three things every child should hear from their Father and Mother: You are mine. I love you. I’m proud of you. They are words that will be tested by fire and will carry Jesus the rest of his life.
3. The Wilderness Testing (Mt. 4:1-11; Mk. 1:12-13; Lk. 4:1-13)
Jesus was led into the wilderness to be tested by the devil because he was imminently prepared for the experience. The wilderness was a common testing ground for the character and internal fortitude of the rabbi-sage.
This was the place where Jesus went down deep into his own story – his own identity – and fought hard against the voices seeking to question his origins and derail his life-saving work. The wilderness was tough, but a necessary part of Jesus’ journey.
4. The Transfiguration (Mt. 17:1-8; Mk. 9:2-8; Lk. 9:28-36)
Like most big moments, timing is everything. Jesus had resolved himself to go to Jerusalem knowing that it meant certain death (Lk. 9:51). But, that didn’t make it easy. He grabbed his three closest friends – Peter, James, and John – and he went to the mountain – the place where he always felt closest to God.
He went there to pray. But, God knew he needed something more. He needed supernatural encouragement. God sent Moses and Elijah to assure Jesus of the certainty of his departure (Lk. 9:30-31). And then God spoke a word of affirmation to Jesus much like at his baptism. God spoke to Jesus at the moment he needed it most. It would be enough to carry Jesus through to the end.
5. The Crucifixion (Mt. 27:32-56; Mk. 15:21-41; Lk. 23:26-49; Jn. 19:16-37)
This, of course, was the worst day of his life. The worse days have a way of impacting us as deeply as the best.
Jesus took all the world’s sin into himself and when he breathed his last breath, sin died with him. Jesus would return from death completely transformed … almost unrecognizable. Substitutionary death on the cross changed him forever.
6. The Resurrection (Mt. 28:1-15; Mk. 16:1-8; Lk. 24:1-12; Jn. 20:1-18)
What can I say? Jesus was dead on Friday and alive again on Sunday – made alive by the power that created the universe. No one can possibly imagine what that felt like. Someday we’ll know. For now, all we can do is acknowledge it with awe and wonder.
7. The Ascension (Lk. 24:50-53; Acts 1:1-11)
This was the moment Jesus longed for. He told his disciples, “I and the Father are one” (Jn. 10:30). He told them, “I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father” (Jn. 16:28).
Jesus completed his Father’s mission. He was the obedient Son, to the end. So, God took him home.
These are the big moments that shaped the trajectory of Jesus’ life. We all have them. What are yours?
