Dear Christian friends:

Last Thursday morning at 9:00 am our time ninety-five people boarded an American Airlines jet for Los Angeles. They didn't know it, but that was their last trip.

One day, maybe today, maybe tomorrow, you will go on your last trip. You need to remember this so that you will be prepared. If you are not prepared for that last ride you will be very sorry when you wake up and meet God.

Our text today tells about Jesus' last trip. His trip up to Jerusalem to suffer, die and rise again. Jesus prepared Himself well for this last trip. Let us learn from Him how to prepare for our own last trip.


You must be prepared for it. Jesus knew this was His last trip, but you and I do not. He knew it from the scriptures. "Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, “We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. He will be delivered over to the Gentiles. They will mock him, insult him and spit on him; they will flog him and kill him. On the third day he will rise again.” (Luke 18:31-33)

In the same way you and I should prepare ourselves for our last trip. Expect it to be anytime. "Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch. (Mark 13:35-37)

Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not. (Luke 12:40) Be prepared for it. Make your peace with God today. Reporters asked John Glenn if he prayed before riding out into space. He said, "Not more than usual. I don't believe in praying to God only when in trouble. I made my peace with God many years ago. I am ready to die anytime." John Glenn was ready for his last ride. He had made his peace with God by confessing His sins and trusting in Jesus Christ His Savior.

Here in the text Jesus plainly tells His disciples and us how He won peace for us with God. (Luke 18:31-33 read it) Lenten Services should help us get ready and stay ready. Those who are prepared for their last trip live with courage and love.

Jesus loved His heavenly Father and He was not afraid to go to Jerusalem and die, as the Father wanted. He loved us and thought of saving us, not Himself. On the way He even stopped to help the blind man, showing His love and courage. (Matthew 18:35-45)

So we need to have courage like John Glenn. "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear:" (1 John 4:18) Only those who are ready to die know how to live. Many of you are not living with love and courage. Do you know how to die?

Amen.