When I was in college, I had a car and the freedom to drive off campus to grab lunch. One day, I was eager to try something different—something exciting. I drove around looking for a place to eat. First, I craved a burger. Then halfway there, I wanted tacos instead. As I drove toward a taco place, I changed my mind again. Before I knew it, my entire lunch break was gone. I had to rush back to class—hungry.
That day, I realized I had everything I needed: time, transportation, hunger, and desire. But one thing was missing—a destination.
Our spiritual journey can be like that. We can have drive, energy, and ambition, but if we don’t know where we’re headed, we risk running in circles and missing our purpose.
Today’s message is titled Journey to the Last Drop.
The Last Drop – A Picture from the Cross
John 19:33–34 (NKJV):
"But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out."
This powerful moment shows that Jesus didn’t just die—He poured out everything, even to the very last drop. Nothing was held back. His life was not taken from Him; it was given, fully and completely, as part of a deliberate plan for our salvation.
Lessons from Jesus’ Journey
Looking at His journey to the cross, I see five challenges Jesus had to navigate—lessons that speak to us about our own purpose. These are not abstract ideas; they are steps we can take in our walk with God to ensure we live and finish well.
1. Knowing the Destination
Jesus knew where He was headed from the beginning. At twelve years old, He was already in the temple discussing God’s Word with the teachers (Luke 2:46–49). From that moment, everything He did pointed toward His ultimate purpose—the cross.
In our lives, clarity of destination matters. When we know where God is leading us, we can prepare, plan, and stay focused—no matter the distractions.
2. Understanding That We Are Sent
Jesus said in John 6:38 (NIV): "For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of Him who sent me."
We are not accidents. God sent us here with a purpose. When we live with that awareness, our decisions and priorities shift. We stop asking, 'Why am I here?' and start saying, 'Lord, lead me in the plans You have for me.'
3. Refusing Shortcuts
After His baptism, Jesus was tempted in the wilderness (Matthew 4:8–10). The devil offered Him all the kingdoms of the world in exchange for one act of worship—a shortcut to glory. But Jesus responded:
"Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.'" (Matthew 4:10 NIV)
Like Jesus, we will face opportunities to compromise. But shortcuts can rob us of the growth, strength, and faith that come from walking the hard road God has set before us.
4. Persevering Through Rejection
Jesus faced rejection from religious leaders who could not accept His message. He said to them:
"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean." (Matthew 23:27 NIV)
Obedience to God sometimes means losing acceptance from people. But it is better to walk in His will than to compromise for approval.
5. Carrying the Cross to the Finish Line
Jesus not only accepted the cross but carried it to the place of His final sacrifice (John 19:17). Even when He stumbled, God provided help through Simon of Cyrene (Luke 23:26), showing us that He never leaves us to bear our burdens alone.
Living to the Last Drop
One of my favorite stories is about Joseph Scriven, the man who wrote 'What a Friend We Have in Jesus.' He endured deep personal loss—losing his fiancée twice—yet poured his life into serving others. From his pain came a song that has encouraged millions. Here are a few lines:
"What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear;
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer..."
You can read the full lyrics here: https://hymnary.org/text/what_a_friend_we_have_in_jesus
Scriven, like Jesus, lived to the last drop—holding nothing back.
Closing Reflection
Jesus’ journey to the cross was not random. It was deliberate, intentional, and purposeful—planned from eternity. And at the cross, He gave everything—even to the last drop—for us.
My prayer is that we live the same way. That we walk with clarity of purpose, resist shortcuts, persevere through trials, and pour out our lives for the sake of God’s Kingdom—until the last drop.
May God bless you on your journey.