John 8:54-58

Jesus replied, “If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me. Though you do not know him, I know him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and obey his word. Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad.”

“You are not yet fifty years old,” they said to him, “and you have seen Abraham!”

“Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!” At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds.

Jesus is, without a doubt, THE coolest man that’s ever walked the face of the earth. I love all of his mic-drop moments littered throughout scripture, like the one from today’s reading. I mean, he was a cool cat. You just can’t help but love this guy! (Unless you’re a Pharisee #awkward).

Think of all the “coolest” people in your life. That sibling who makes you laugh and just gets you. That friend who listens unconditionally. That person whose love for God permeates their very being and inspires your faith. That mentor who believed in you no matter what. Just think about them for a moment…

Now, wrap them all into one person. This person is everything you love about your favorite people, only he’s perfect. He knows you better than you know yourself. Better than anyone has ever known you. And he is all-knowing, all-loving and all-powerful. Can you imagine just having a coffee (or tea or a margarita) with Him?

Your spiritual exercise for today: Jesus is having a coffee with you outside in your backyard. It’s a beautiful Spring day and you guys are just hanging out! What’s he saying to you? What do you find yourself telling him? Close your eyes and take a moment to really envision this encounter…

Welcome back! So… You know what’s amazing? Encountering Him doesn’t have to be imaginary. You can spend time with Him now. He’s present in your heart and physically in any tabernacle around the world, just waiting to sit with you and hear from you.

So treat yourself to a coffee with Jesus today. Just make sure you pay for it (His currency is a little intense for coffee shops — Get it?? Because He paid for us with His blood? Okay. No more cheesy jokes. I promise!).

Take a Victory and a Blessing!

Alina