The Conversation

Part 1 — Joy

Text: Before time began … a conversation took place.

Jesus: I’m excited about our plans, Dad. Mountains and oceans and people — especially people!

God: Me, too, Son. They will be like us, reflecting our glory.

Jesus: Yes! I already love them.

God: We always have.

Jesus: When can I go, Father?

God: In time…[chuckle] In time.

Jesus: Dad?

God: Yes, Son.

Jesus: They do know I’m coming, don’t they?

God: Yes, Gabriel’s on the job. I didn’t want to make our guests uncomfortable, so your birthplace won’t be the Grand Hilton. But I’ve arranged for a pretty good choir.

Jesus: Wow. I can’t wait.

God: Kings will travel to worship you, and learned men will marvel at your wisdom. When you grow up, there will even be a parade in your honor. Many people will love you.

Jesus: But not everyone.

God: No, Son. Not everyone.

Jesus: Still, it will be my greatest joy to save them, Father.

God: Yes. And when the victory has been won, your name will be greater than any other name. And you will sit next to my throne as their King…forever!

Part 2 — humility

God: Son, you should know that when you go to earth you will not be as you are now.

Jesus: I know.

God: You will be fragile. You will have to eat, sleep, wear sandals. You will be one of them … completely.

Jesus: Then I will truly know them. I will understand their sorrows.

God: You will. Your own family will reject you. Your best friends will betray you. I [pause]…I will turn my back on you.

Jesus: Must this be, Father?

God: Yes. It is part of the plan.

Jesus: I will do whatever it takes.

God: Your sacrifice will bring peace. They will call you Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Jesus: May Your glory fill the Earth, Father!


Part 3 — Separation

Jesus: Dad?

God: Yes, Son?

Jesus: There’s one part of the plan that troubles me.

God: Yes.

Jesus: The separation. We’ve always been together.

God: I know, Son.

Jesus: How can we be apart?

God: Their sin will make this so. I must pour out my wrath on You. I will crush You for their wrong. [heavy pause]

Jesus: I am afraid to be alone.

God: I know. It will be the darkest moment in history. The prince of demons will think he has won.

Jesus: Father, is there any other way?

God: No, Son.

Jesus: This is the only way they can know You?

God: That’s right.

Jesus: Then I will do it with joy. I will live as one of them … and die as one of them.

God: Through Your sacrifice, they will see life. And the glorious plan will be fulfilled!

Jesus: Father?

God: Yes, Son.

Jesus: We will be together again, right?

God: You will have to trust me.

Jesus: I do trust you, Father. I hope they will, too.

(based on Isaiah 53:2-12, Philippians 2:5-11 and Hebrews 12:2.)

Copyright © 2006 Suzanne Hadley. All rights reserved. International copyright secured.