Passion.

Passion (n)
 any powerful or compelling emotion or feeling, as love or hate.

Passionate (adj)
intense or vehement, as emotions or feelings: passionate grief.

I'll be the first to admit it... I Facebook stalk people. I read their information and look at their pictures to try to get a better idea of who they are. Then, it hit me. Why don't I study Jesus like that? So, I've rereading his story and paying attention to his character, not just his words. And, I'm falling in love with the Jesus I'm getting to know.

Jesus is intense. We see Him celebrate in his Triumphal entry on Palm Sunday, curse a fig tree and flip money changers' tables on Monday, teach and rebuke on Tuesday, defend devotion on Wednesday, and on Thursday he serves his betrayer, sings with his disciples, and submits himself to his Father's will.

This is all before he even goes on trial or gets arrested. Jesus had deep emotions. He didn't just care about us. He recklessly loves us. Jesus is one of those people who don't do things halfway. If He says He loves you, He'll go to Hell and back to win you over. If He sees you need a friend, He'll be with you constantly.

Jesus' journey through Holy Week is called "The Passion" in Christian tradition. This describes his intense, vehement love for us. It captures the debilitating pain and utter humiliation He willingly suffered.

Have you ever loved someone so much it hurt, and you felt the pressure in your chest?

Jesus passionately loves you. He loves you with the steadfast determination that inspired Him to keep walking up Golgotha. He prayed for you before his arrest. We really were on His mind.

This beautiful, fierce, brave and bloodied Savior; this is our King.
And, I love Him.