I’m sitting on a private balcony overlooking the famed Doral golf course in Miami, Florida at daybreak. The fountains provide soothing background music. A few birds are beginning to speak. It’s peaceful.
No, it’s not Spring Break for me. It’s business. I’ve been meeting with people all day for two days discussing information technology relating handing over a new petrochemical plant (for example) from the engineers and contractors to the owner/operators. 8 am keynotes always mess up my schedule and my spiritual practices.
In the peace of the moment, my mind flits from quiet to hyper. I plan out everything in my mind. I’m thinking about checking out, getting a taxi to the airport, getting to the airport early enough to check baggage (I don’t usually, but as an Elite customer, my bags fly free and I don’t want to worry about overhead space), finding my way in a strange airport, where’s the United Club–you know the whole trip thing.
It’s silly. Jesus said to not be anxious. I fly probably 20 times a year. I know the routine. My stuff is organized for getting through security efficiently.
Then I thought–you ever wonder what Jesus was thinking this week? Did he plan things out? Or at least play scenarios in his mind going over various alternative outcomes? He knew if he died, then his followers would be saved from certain slaughter as the Romans cracked down on the movement. He knew about resurrection, but he’d never experienced it. So he was facing a new experience. Did he remember his advice about not being anxious?
We don’t get any first person narrative from Jesus in the Gospels. Except for the 40 days in the wilderness following his baptism, every other thing recorded was witnessed by someone and reported in third person descriptions.
But I still wonder what he played in his mind as the events of the week unfolded. And then how he could face the authorities with calm, assurance, confidence.
Faith Venture 
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