The tomb is empty, He is risen

The angel said,

“Don’t be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth,

Who was crucified.

He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead!

Look, this is where they laid His body.

Now go and tell His disciples”

Mark 16:6-7

What a glorious day!

Prophesied throughout the Old Testament the miraculous birth, life, trial, and death on the cross of Jesus Christ culminates in His resurrection on Easter Sunday. Jesus’ life is no longer an event in the future. The Gospels of the New Testament record His life. His preaching, teaching, miracles and temptations are laid out for us.

The most important day for all Christendom for over two thousand years, the day is marked with joyful celebration.

For many the 40 days of what is known as Lent has built up to this one day. These days have been filled with reverent meditation, sacrificial living, and prayerful contemplation.

Easter Sunday is the day to break away from the solemn practices and CELEBRATE!

Why (and how) do you celebrate?

Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah, became the sacrificial lamb.

The lamb had long been a symbol of sacrifice, notably during the Passover festival. From the time of Abraham “God will provide a lamb for the burnt offering” (Gen 22:8) and Moses “Go pick out a lamb and slaughter the Passover animal” (Ex 12:21). Prophesied by Isaiah “He was led like a lamb to the slaughter.” (Ish 53:7) and later in John’s Revelation vision “Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered” (Rev 5:12).

Jesus was put to death as payment for the world’s sins. Your sins and my sins.

His resurrection is our resurrection. Promised to us by God since the beginning of time.

Christians everywhere celebrate the wonderful gift of Easter in many ways.

How do you celebrate worship on Easter Sunday?

I remember as a youngster always attending the Easter “sunrise service” in recognition of that glorious morning when Mary and the other women arrived at the tomb. Our church always holds a communal breakfast gathering afterward to share in the joy.

He is not here, He is Risen, He is Risen Indeed!

Pray:

Dear Father in Heaven, thank you for sending your Son, the lamb. He lived, died, and was Resurrected by your almighty hand, for me, a poor miserable sinner. In His name I give all thanks and praise. Amen

Jesus crucified, his body placed in a tomb

A worried Pilate seals the tomb:

Pilate replied

“Take guards and secure it the best you can.”

So they sealed the tomb and posted guards to protect it.

Matthew 27:65-66

Very little is written about what happened right after Jesus died on the cross. We are told that a man named Joseph of Arimathea was allowed to take Jesus’ body and place it in a nearby, new tomb.

This Joseph is said to be a wealthy, well regarded member of the Jewish high counsel. He is also noted as being a follower of Jesus.

One thing is obviously clear.

Pilate was not only aware of Jesus proclamation of His Resurrection on the 3^rd day, but he was also worried that it might be true. Or he was at least concerned that Jesus disciples would try something shady and remove the dead body of Jesus from the tomb to claim fulfillment of the resurrection prophesy.

Pilate orders the tomb to be guarded.

What do you think Jesus’ followers did on Saturday?

Surely, they were filled with sadness and grief, in much the same way we are when we lose someone close to us.

How have you dealt with loss in your life?

I remember when our teenage son was called home. He had endured a lifetime of medical visits, procedures, and surgeries. His life, both good and bad, had consumed our family’s everyday existence. Along with profound grief and sadness, me, my wife, and his 2 brothers felt a strange emptiness.

What now?

This is likely the same reaction of Jesus’ followers. A mix of sadness, bewilderment, some confusion, and probably some fear. Fear that they could be subjected to a similar outcome.

I’m convinced that one of the reasons not much is written about Saturday is that many were hiding. Coupled with the fact that Saturday is the Jewish Sabbath, and Jesus’ followers were at this point still Jews, there was not much to do but sit around and wait.

Not to be forgotten, though, it is that Saturday was also likely a day of nervous anticipation. If they had been listening to Jesus, especially this Passover week, they would know of His promise of resurrection on the third day.

The waiting must have been excruciating. And exciting.

Pray:

Dear Father in heaven, give me comfort in times of sorrow and patience in times of waiting. Let your Spirit fill me with the joy I too will feel when Jesus returns and I am resurrected with all believers into your holy and eternal kingdom. In the name of the crucified Christ Jesus. Amen

Holy Week Begins

Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem is prophesied:

Rejoice, O people of Zion!

Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem!

Look, your king is coming to you

He is righteous and victorious,

Yet He is humble, riding on a donkey—

Riding on a donkey’s colt

Zechariah 9:9

500 years before the birth of Jesus, the priest and prophet Zechariah describes the event that will come to be known as “Palm Sunday, Jesus triumphal entry into Jerusalem”.

Zechariah is speaking to the people of Israel after their exile, as they returned to Jerusalem. He is encouraging them to rebuild the temple and return to obedience to their God who will deliver them from all evil and restore His kingdom on earth.

Why a donkey?

In the time of this writing kings were known to enter cities and towns on the backs of mighty horses, war horses. This new “King” just as victorious and righteous, will enter Jerusalem humbly, on the back of a donkey.

The donkey was a symbol of peace throughout the Old Testament writings that were familiar to the Jews, and this king will enter with a different agenda. The king prophesied of in Zechariah is, of course, the “Prince of Peace”, the Messiah—Jesus Christ.

The Messiah, Jesus Christ, will bring peace, comfort, righteousness, and forgiveness. He will, Zechariah later writes, be rejected by the very people He had come to save.

Have you ever witnessed a “triumphal entry”?

Perhaps it was a President or some other dignitary coming to your town, not humbly, but with pomp and fanfare.

I remember as a young man my favorite baseball team, upon returning from a disappointing World Series loss, returned to town with a parade. Culminating with entry into their stadium, the star player entered on a motorcycle. He was met with loud cheers of excitement and shouts of joy and praise. We knew he, and the team, were worthy of the adulation.

But that was earthly praise.

The praise exhibited by the Believers on Palm Sunday, as recorded in the Gospels, was heavenly and everlasting praise for the true “Prince of Peace”.

The praise was short-lived. Jesus would be rejected. Tried and crucified, He would die, only to be Resurrected for us on Easter Sunday.

The week of the Passion has begun.

Pray:

Dear Father in heaven, thank you for sending your Son for our redemption. Keep my heart filled with the excitement of Christ’s arrival and the joy I will experience upon His return.

In Jesus name I pray, Amen

“Tell us, are you the Messiah?”

Jesus answers the question:

But he replied,

“If I tell you, you won’t believe me. And if I ask you a question,

You won’t answer. But from now on the Son of Man will be seated

In the place of power at God’s right hand.”

Luke 22:67-69

We all know what happened on Good Friday. Jesus was tried, convicted, and crucified. Undoubtably one of the most important days for Christians, and the whole world from that day forward.

It was second in importance only to Jesus Resurrection that would come shortly after on Easter morning.

Many people, even some who claim to be Christian, use this passage to deny that Jesus is the Divine Son of God. They say things like “Jesus never says He is God” even when He is asked.

But we must look at Jesus’ own words, in the correct context, to determine that He is in fact saying He is the Messiah.

What does Jesus’ answer really say?

On the morning of Good Friday Jesus, having been betrayed by Judas, was hauled before the Jewish religious leaders (Sanhedrin) to be questioned. They were looking for a way—any way—to condemn him. Jesus knew this.

Attempting to catch Jesus in outright heresy, punishable by death, they ask straightforward “are you the Messiah?”

Jesus’ answer may seem vague or unclear to us today, but it was crystal clear to His interrogators. He was claiming to be the Messiah, and they moved quickly to convict and crucify Him.

Jesus uses 2 phrases, familiar to the Jewish leaders, in His answer: “Son of Man” and “right hand of God”.

“Son of Man” is a messianic reference that appears in the Old Testament book of Daniel (7:13-14) which tells of the Son of Man coming from the clouds of heaven, “given authority, honor, and sovereignty over all nations”, “His rule is eternal”.

“God’s right hand” from Psalm 110:1, the place given “to my Lord” with all authority and honor over enemies.

These 2 statements, answers the Jewish leaders recognized immediately as Jesus’ claims as Messiah, were enough to convict Him.

We should recognize, accept, and rejoice in Jesus’ answer too!

As we solemnly reflect on the events of that “Good Friday” years ago we recognize the bitter suffering and sacrifice Jesus Christ endured for us. For our redemption and forgiveness.

He is our Lord and Savior, seated at the right hand of God. The ruler over all nations eternally.

He told us so!

Pray:

Dear Father in heaven, seated at your right hand is my Messiah, Jesus Christ. He has redeemed me to you; he suffered and died so that I might live. Thank you for that awesome, undeserved gift. In His name I pray. Amen

Maundy Thursday – The Last Supper

Jesus washes the Disciples feet:

“So He got up from the table, took off His robe,

wrapped a towel around His waist

and poured water into a basin.

Then He began to wash the Disciples feet,

Drying them with the towel He had around Him.”

John 13:4-5

This lowly act of servitude by Jesus on the night of The Last Supper seemed odd to His Disciples.

So odd, that not only were they perplexed and confused, some of them—especially Simon Peter—complained loudly. “You will never wash my feet” he protested.

Jesus replied in answer, “Unless I wash you, you won’t belong to me.”

What did Jesus mean? Why was He doing this?

Jesus is not merely washing feet. Jesus, in the consummate act of service and love—dying for us on the cross—is washing away all our sins, the sins of the whole world. Without the redemption offered, and accepted, we would not belong to Christ. Without it we will not be able to enter the Kingdom of God as He has planned for us.

Can you think of times you have served others?

Serving a meal for the less fortunate. Delivering groceries to a homebound neighbor. Giving a ride to someone in need of one.

I can remember when my father had become old and frail, nearing the time he would be called home. He needed me to wash more than his feet. Have you ever had to do this, or more?

Jesus tells us in Matthew 25:40 that these acts of service, when performed for others, are just like performing them for Him

“I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these, you were doing it to me!”

So go about your days living the example Jesus gave to His disciples. Humble yourself in service; by doing so you will truly belong to Christ Jesus.

Pray:

Dear Father in heaven, give me the heart of a humble servant. Help me to live each day in service to you and my neighbors. Thank you for sending your Son, Jesus Christ, to wash away all of my sins so that I can truly belong to Him. In His name I pray. Amen

Wars and rumors of War

Jesus foretells The End of Days:

Jesus teaches:

“And when you hear of wars and insurrections, don’t panic.

Yes, these things must take place first, but the end won’t follow immediately.

Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.

There will be great earthquakes, and there will be famines

and plagues in many lands, and there will be terrifying things and

Great miraculous signs from heaven.”

Luke 21:9-11

“The end is near!” is something I have heard countless times already in my short time—relatively speaking—on this earth. As you know it has started again with vigor since the current conflict in the Middle East has begun.

Nostradamus began his vague predictions way back in the 16^th century. Several Popes predicted it even earlier.

The Mayan Calendar, Y2K, Halley’s Comet, even Columbus—among thousands of others—have predicted the end of days.

It is thought that the early Christians themselves believed it was imminent, 2000 years ago.

The Disciples, in the midst of Jesus teaching during Holy Week, were looking for an answer too. Jesus answered them with the verse cited above.

It’s probably not the answer they wanted.

Have you ever looked for an answer to that question?

We are best served looking at Jesus’ teaching in other places in The Gospels. His words will give comfort and satisfaction.

In the Sermon on the Mount we are told “don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today” (Matt 6:34). And “Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” (Matt 6:27).

Beware, and don’t become bogged down with thoughts of how things will end. Look first to today. How you can live your life in fulfillment of Jesus’ other teachings.

Love your God above all else. Love your neighbor. Perform acts of kindness, mercy, and forgiveness as Jesus taught. And listen to Him when He says:

“Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before The Son of Man.”

Luke 21:36

Pray:

Dear heavenly Father give me the strength to overcome my fears of the unknown, keep me vigilant on the path Jesus taught. Comfort me with the promise of your saving grace brought about by the death and resurrection of your Son, my loving Savior, Jesus Christ. In His name I pray.

Amen