Have you ever felt unnoticed? Have you ever felt like all your efforts and good works are not recognized and go unseen? Jesus knows! Jesus cares! During the last week Jesus Christ physically walked on the earth, several un-named men assisted Him.

The Bible does not record their names.

The Bible does not record how they knew Jesus.

The Bible does not record how they knew what Jesus wanted of them.

The Bible does not record why they chose to obey.

The Bible does record their obedience.

Jesus knows their names.

Jesus knows how they knew about Him whether it was second-hand or personal knowledge.

Jesus knows how His will was communicated to them.

Jesus knows why they chose to obey.

Palm Sunday Un-named Men

Luke 19:²⁸ And when he had thus spoken, he went before, ascending up to Jerusalem.

²⁹And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples,

³⁰Saying, Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring him hither.

³¹And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him.

³²And they that were sent went their way, and found even as he had said unto them.

³³And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt?

³⁴And they said, The Lord hath need of him.

³⁵And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon.

Maundy Thursday Un-named man

Luke 22:⁷ Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed.

⁸And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat.

⁹And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare?

¹⁰And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in.

¹¹And ye shall say unto the good man of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guest chamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?

¹²And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready.

¹³And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.

Paul’s admonition

Colossians 3:²³ And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

²⁴Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

Questions for Reflection

1) What is your reason for your action?

2) Why is recognition by people important to you?

3) Why is service to Jesus Christ important to you?

4) Is the reward from Jesus Christ more valuable to you than recognition by others?

Do you know this song?

Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus – Helen H. Lemmel, 1922

1. O soul, are you weary and troubled? No light in the darkness you see?
   There’s light for a look at the Savior, And life more abundant and free!

Refrain:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace.

2. Through death into life everlasting He passed, and we follow Him there;
   O’er us sin no more hath dominion— For more than conqu’rors we are!

3. His Word shall not fail you—He promised; Believe Him, and all will be well:
   Then go to a world that is dying, His perfect salvation to tell!

Our focus – Hebrews 12:¹ Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

² Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God

Our challenge – Dearly Beloved,

Run with your eyes on Jesus alone!

Run in faith that Jesus loves you with an everlasting, unconditional love; has uniquely designed  and created only one you; has a good plan for your life; runs with you; and will      accomplish His purposes for you and through you!

Run in His strength alone!

Run being yoked to Emmanuel!

Run with your eyes on the prize!

Run with your focus on His mission: to conform you to the image of Jesus Christ!

Run with the desire to finish strong!

Run with the desire to finish with your lamp burning!

Run with the expectation of being in His physical presence when together you cross your finish line!

Run to His glory alone!

Run and keep on running!

Coach Patti