We know the Easter story. But we can overlook what Jesus went through when he died for us. Or we think, “Well, he’s the son of God so it must have been easier for him - probably didn’t hurt as much as it would for ‘regular’ people.”
But He was a man and he suffered - not only physical pain (which would have been overwhelming). He suffered betrayals by disciples - Judas sold him and Peter denied him. He suffered the pain of abandonment and loneliness as he prayed in the garden. He was fearful and asked his father to “take this cup from me” but he was obedient and yielded his will to God’s. He was unfairly convicted, beaten, mocked, humiliated. But he forgave it all and still loved those who hurt him.
The grace Jesus showed in the days before his crucifixion makes most of the things we get upset about seem so petty. I want to react the opposite of the way I feel when I am offended. To love when I am hurt. To serve those around me and to be more concerned for their needs than mine. To turn the other cheek when I am betrayed. To look to God when I am afraid and lonely. He did it for me and my family, and for you and your family. I am so thankful for all the things that Jesus demonstrated and the love that he showed in this Holy Week!!
“During the meal Jesus said, “I tell you, one of you will betray me.” The disciples were very upset and began to ask him, one after the other, “Surely, Lord, you don't mean me?” ....Judas, the traitor, spoke up. “Surely, Teacher, you don't mean me?” he asked. Jesus answered, “So you say.” ....He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee. Grief and anguish came over him, and he said to them, “The sorrow in my heart is so great that it almost crushes me. Stay here and keep watch with me.” He went a little farther on, threw himself face downwards on the ground, and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, take this cup of suffering from me! Yet not what I want, but what you want.” Then he returned to the three disciples and found them asleep; and he said to Peter, “How is it that you three were not able to keep watch with me even for one hour?” - Matthew 26:21-22, 25, 37-40 GNB
“What, then, shall I do with Jesus called the Messiah?” Pilate asked them. “Crucify him!” they all answered. But Pilate asked, “What crime has he committed?” Then they started shouting at the top of their voices: “Crucify him!” When Pilate saw that it was no use to go on, but that a riot might break out, he took some water, washed his hands in front of the crowd, and said, “I am not responsible for the death of this man! This is your doing!” ....Then Pilate set Barabbas free for them; and after he had Jesus whipped, he handed him over to be crucified. Then Pilate's soldiers took Jesus into the governor's palace, and the whole company gathered round him. They stripped off his clothes and put a scarlet robe on him. Then they made a crown out of thorny branches and placed it on his head, and put a stick in his right-hand; then they knelt before him and mocked him. “Long live the King of the Jews!” they said. ....When they had finished mocking him, they took the robe off and put his own clothes back on him. Then they led him out to crucify him. ...:At noon the whole country was covered with darkness, which lasted for three hours. At about three o'clock Jesus cried out with a loud shout, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why did you abandon me?” ....Jesus again gave a loud cry and breathed his last.” - Matthew 27:22-24, 26-29, 31, 45-46, 50 GNB
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