Jesus sat outside the temple braiding a whip to be used on the money changers.
That took a little time
We often read (I am guilty) scripture in a sort of disjointed way, like, everything happens (in the language in our heads as we read) one after another, but Jesus knew what he was going to do and had already gathered together the materiel, or was able to find the stuff nearby that He then had to braid into a rope/whip strong and long enough to be effective as our READING minds just sort'a gloss over HOW the whip came to be in the FIRST place.
It took a little time
Was Jesus in prayer during that time ?
Scripture doesn't say.
Of the repentant thief on the cross;
EVERY little boy, when he asks his mother what she wants for Mother's Day or her birthday or Christmas, gets the same answer;
"Just be a good boy"
I don't think mothers have changed since Eve, and I can see the repentant thief in the dungeon awaiting his execution date sorrowing away being reminded that HIS mother only wanted a good boy.
THAT'S the tenderness that gave him the guts to finally say to his sin (literally and figuratively),
"Shut UP! ... I've listened to you and NOW look at me .... and I deserve this ... but Jesus does not"
That statement was born on death row awaiting death
Merry Christmas
One of the best threads of the day...and your comment’s a keeper.
Merry Christmas!