“If you do what you love, you will never work a day in your life.”  This is such a popular American mantra for finding the right career.  It makes work sound like a choice.  If you don’t love your job, move on to something you love.  There are so many reasons why I do what I do. The primary reason why I get up so early and commute so far, it's necessary to help provide for my family. I feel a sense of responsibility to the work. I feel a sense of dedication as an employee.  I feel a sense of contribution to a greater good.  My commitment extends beyond pleasure and enjoyment. For me, in my current circumstances, work is not a choice.

We take the word love and use it casually.  But can we casually attribute love to Jesus’ calling here on earth? During Jesus’ three year ministry, He came to recapture the hearts of His people. Is it possible that Jesus loved what He did?  Maybe He loved healing the sick, raising the dead and fulfilling prophecies. That aspect of Jesus's character shows God's mercy, compassion, and power. It is possible that Jesus, the living Word of God, loves preaching, teaching, correcting and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16-17). That aspect of Jesus' life demonstrates the wisdom of God.  The wisdom of God is put on display when the creator of the whole universe instructs us in worship, faith, and holy living.  It’s possible that Jesus loved that part of His mission.

There is a part of the mission He certainly could not love.  In the garden, Jesus wrestled with God about the part of the job that was going to hurt the most. Jesus knew that He was about to experience something so gruesome, detestable and shameful that He sweat blood trying to persuade God for another way. Our divine Lord was about to experience brutality, betrayal, abandonment and for the very first time sin and separation from God. 

32 They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to His disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 He took Peter, James and John along with Him, and He began to be deeply distressed and troubled. 34 “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” He said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.”

35 Going a little farther, He fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from Him. 36 “Abba, Father,” He said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” - Mark 14:32-36

Jesus wanted to do the Father's will but He asked for another way.  He prayed for this to be taken from Him.  His love for us and obedience to the Father compelled Him to press on. He knew that He had to complete the Father’s mission.   In the garden, we see that just the thought of what lay ahead overwhelmed Jesus to the point of sorrow.  Yet, Jesus went through it, not because He loved what He did.  He did it because we had no other option.

Humanity was out of options.  Salvation was essential.  Jesus knew before He took the job that wages for sin is death (Rom 6:23).  Every step of this journey, Jesus had a choice. He could remain in heaven and start a new creation. He could reign on earth forevermore. He could call down 10 legions of angels to fight the greatest spiritual battle ever. However, His creation had no other options to remain in relationship with the father.  Isaiah 59: 1-2 says, that sin keeps us separated from God. The wrath of God was coming for the sins of the world. We needed a sacrifice so astounding that it could bear the weight of all sin.  It was time for the perfect sacrifice, the perfect lamb of God.  Jesus became our ransom sacrifice because He loves us. He knew we needed a savior.

Often we want to see miracles and be rescued from hardship. There are times in our journey where we must endure painful  or shameful circumstances. It may seem unfair or unjust.  Jesus understands, talk to Him. He knows what it's like to have to press on when there are no other options.