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Easter 2019
on...Four ‘D’ Words of The Passion Week
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Disloyalty, denial, disbelief and discouragement. These ideas will be uppermost in our minds as we once again read The Passion Week narrative of the Gospels for the umpteenth time in our lives, a yearly practice at Easter we have come to enjoy. This activity does well to set the stage for the fresh touch of God we have received over the years in our Easter celebration. This year we do it in English in the Seattle area with good friends that love us from years back.
Knowing the story as well as we do does not relieve us of our heart-felt craving to spend time again-and-again, year-after-year ruminating and pondering this momentous event so laden with tragedy and triumph. We find our circumstances every year to be such that new insights laced with deep meaning are gained from what is a very familiar account, commencing with what we believe to be the greatest and most pivotal month-and-a-half of all human history, that being, The Passion Week followed by Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances to hundreds of his followers during the following forty days.
The disloyalty of Judas Iscariot has spoken deeply to us this year as we remember more than a few family and friends, as well as disciples we have invested in over the years, to include cherished brethren we once depended upon to hold our lifeline (Matthew 26:14-16). The denial of Peter, Jesus’ closest confidant has reminded us of our own shortcomings and continued propensity to shrink back from giving courageous testimony of our Lord in moments of arduous testing (Mark 14:66-72). The disbelief of Thomas at the testimony of his peers that Jesus had literally returned back from the dead brought to mind the importance of keeping foremost in prayer those around us who have yet to experience the intimate love of a Savior and Master for their souls (John 20:24-29). And finally, the discouragement expressed by both Cleopas and some other unnamed disciple on the road to Emmaus as they rehearsed the crucifixion of Jesus three days earlier has prompted us not to forget that we often do not see things the way they really are as our Father in Heaven has a much larger plan in mind than we can know; that Jesus cares for us in our many discouragements and misunderstandings; and that redemptive victorious surprises await all those who trust in Him (Luke 24:13-53).
Yes, Easter is to be a season with exuberant joy at the victory and triumph true followers of Jesus can count on, but let's not forget to learn from the dark D's as they are ever so much part of the story, our story. Why not join us this Easter season as we read and reflect upon The Passion Week and the innumerable victories there are for those following Jesus through all of life’s ups and downs. You will not be disappointed.
NOTE: We like using A Harmony of the Gospels: New American Standard Edition, Thomas and Gundry, ISBN-13: 978-0060635244. If you simply want to read the four Gospel renditions you might begin by reading John 11:55-12:11 for the context and setting and then proceed by reading to the end of each Gospel beginning from Matthew 21:1, Mark 11:1, Luke 19:29 and John 12:12.
Knowing the story as well as we do does not relieve us of our heart-felt craving to spend time again-and-again, year-after-year ruminating and pondering this momentous event so laden with tragedy and triumph. We find our circumstances every year to be such that new insights laced with deep meaning are gained from what is a very familiar account, commencing with what we believe to be the greatest and most pivotal month-and-a-half of all human history, that being, The Passion Week followed by Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances to hundreds of his followers during the following forty days.
The disloyalty of Judas Iscariot has spoken deeply to us this year as we remember more than a few family and friends, as well as disciples we have invested in over the years, to include cherished brethren we once depended upon to hold our lifeline (Matthew 26:14-16). The denial of Peter, Jesus’ closest confidant has reminded us of our own shortcomings and continued propensity to shrink back from giving courageous testimony of our Lord in moments of arduous testing (Mark 14:66-72). The disbelief of Thomas at the testimony of his peers that Jesus had literally returned back from the dead brought to mind the importance of keeping foremost in prayer those around us who have yet to experience the intimate love of a Savior and Master for their souls (John 20:24-29). And finally, the discouragement expressed by both Cleopas and some other unnamed disciple on the road to Emmaus as they rehearsed the crucifixion of Jesus three days earlier has prompted us not to forget that we often do not see things the way they really are as our Father in Heaven has a much larger plan in mind than we can know; that Jesus cares for us in our many discouragements and misunderstandings; and that redemptive victorious surprises await all those who trust in Him (Luke 24:13-53).
Yes, Easter is to be a season with exuberant joy at the victory and triumph true followers of Jesus can count on, but let's not forget to learn from the dark D's as they are ever so much part of the story, our story. Why not join us this Easter season as we read and reflect upon The Passion Week and the innumerable victories there are for those following Jesus through all of life’s ups and downs. You will not be disappointed.
NOTE: We like using A Harmony of the Gospels: New American Standard Edition, Thomas and Gundry, ISBN-13: 978-0060635244. If you simply want to read the four Gospel renditions you might begin by reading John 11:55-12:11 for the context and setting and then proceed by reading to the end of each Gospel beginning from Matthew 21:1, Mark 11:1, Luke 19:29 and John 12:12.
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