Jesus was talking with His twelve disciples in an upper room as they ate the Passover meal.

He had talked about how anyone who received Him has also received God the Father. For God the Father had sent Him into the world to save the world from their sins. The condition: each person must receive Jesus as their Savior.

(NASB) John 13:21 “When Jesus had said this, He became troubled in spirit, and testified and said, “˜Truly, truly, I say to you, that one of you will betray Me.”™”

Jesus was disturbed, agitated in His spirit. Why? Because One of His own disciples had already laid the groundwork to betray Him.

(NASB) 2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.”

Jesus gave His betrayer several opportunities to repent, but Judas Iscariot had hardened his heart over and over.

When anyone refuses to acknowledge Jesus and their need of Him as their Savior and Lord, the repeated rejection is like a hardening of the arteries”¦as the plaque of cholesterol builds and builds until, finally, the artery is closed to any blood circulation. So our steadfast refusal of Christ hardens us until the opportunity for life is gone.

I believe Jesus grieves over everyone who refuses Him. Just as He grieved before He sent the waters to flood the earth:

(NIV) Genesis 6:6 “The Lord was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain.”

If you are one who has rejected God, know that He loves you and His heart is filled with pain for you. He has provided the source of life for all who will tell Him their sins and then turn from those sins.

If you have received Christ as your Savior, who have you told about Jesus and His love for them?