Knowing Jesus, likewise, means “walking” with him,

“watching” him, and entering into his life

with our hearts as well as with our minds

In the halcyon breezes of summer

And the horrible blizzards of winter

When others are cordial and cooperative

And when they are crabby and contentious

When friends stick close in courageous loyalty

And when they run in cowardly desertion

When he encounters

The smiles of approval

And snarling, murderous opposition;

The delights of close companionship,

And the desolation of the Garden

The paeans of popular praise

And the shouts of “Crucify him!”

When he hears the Father say, “This is my beloved Son,”

And when he cries out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

To know the power of his resurrection,

We must first share the fellowship of his sufferings.

May knowing Jesus be that one precious pearl

For which we are happy to sell, or even give, all else!