I jumped to conclusions as I read the headlines. It actually said, “Golf’s’ biggest week is here”, but I’m not a great golfer. After a series of lessons (to improve my connection to someone) expecting to retire sometime, my instructor turned me down as a returning student with, “You should work on what I’ve already shown you” – ouch. There is excitement for Jesus resurrection and ascension. Christmas is my favorite because Jesus coming as a man changed everything. He is risen, He is risen indeed, reveals redemption – cradle to the cross. There is no more gripping story than Good Friday, which is an oxymoron for Christians who remember the suffering on the cross. Some watch Mel Gibsons account every year and others say once was enough. There is much suffering for believers in unforgiving places in the world today but there is also an unstoppable movement to Christ. Again, follow Jesus.
Today I chatted with an elderly friend, who puts up with my Jesus dialogue, to finally ask her what Easter means to her. I’m still uncertain as her response was short but God knows hearts. My friend, Tim, is reflecting on Mark 14:53-15:15,15, and Heb 1:2. It is hard to comprehend perfect love. In the Garden of Gethsemane, I still wonder about Jesus prayerful sweat. He knew the outcome but still, as a man, had never experienced death. I’ve seen too many films where the protagonist is walking to the gallows. Jesus was on His way for my sins. I am as far from holy as the east is from the west. I cover up that part of me and Jesus covers the sins. I am now acceptable to Him as a child of God. It had been years since I had diagrammed sentences but after teaching the basics a few years back I keep looking for action words while studying the Bible. What did God do? What am I to do? Everything can be found in the Bible. From the verses above in summary, They led Jesus. Peter followed Him. The chief priests and council sought testimony against Jesus but found none. None of their testimonies agreed. Jesus kept silent but did answer yes that He is the Christ, the Son of the Blessed. They all condemned Him for this. They began to spit on Him, blindfold and beat and slap Him. Peter denied knowing Jesus three times then wept when he thought about what Jesus had predicted. They bound, led, and delivered Jesus to Pilot. Pilot knew that the chief priests had handed Jesus over because of envy. The crowd cried out, “Crucify Him!”, when Pilot offered to release Him, as was his habit of releasing one prisoner during the Jewish feast. Pilot asks them what evil Jesus had done? Pilot has Jesus scourged then turns Him over to be crucified (how cruel is this)? Crucifixion. Verse 24, “And when they crucified Him, They divided His garments, casting lots for them to determine what every man should take”.
There seems to be one defining quality in the work of execution. You must value stuff or money more than the life of a person. Is there also a legalism that is used to justify the work? Jesus is our Savior and truly THE KING OF THE JEWS. God said, “You are My son, Today I have begotten you. I will be to Him a Father, And He shall be to Me a Son”, Heb 1:5. I guess Easter is as good as Christmas.
