Monday, March 25, 2013


Is grief your companion today?

As I write this, it is Palm Sunday—the anniversary date of the triumphant entry Jesus made into Jerusalem about a thousand years ago. The people in the crowd shouted praises to Him on that day and felt no sorrow. Happiness and excitement filled their hearts.  Anguish came on Friday. Their King failed to live up to their expectations, so they crucified Him.
This first Sunday of Holy Week is a bittersweet day for me because I know what comes in five days—the anniversary of the crucifixion. We call it Good Friday, but somehow, the term doesn’t quite fit.  Yes, the day turned out good because Jesus conquered sin, but His horrendous suffering breaks my heart. How could Friday have been good for Him? In the sense of a mission complete, no doubt—His action on our behalf transformed beyond magnificent. A job well done, certainly—that turned out more than first-rate.  But the price?  Not good. He lost his human life on this day, one he enjoyed and wanted to keep awhile longer. He prayed to escape death the night before the cross. Yet, He expressed willingness to obey the Father if there was no other way to bring man to God.

He experienced the union of divine nature and human nature at His incarnation. On the human side, He was a servant.  On the divine side, He was a King. He was a perfect human, something no mortal can achieve.
Three days after Good Friday, on Sunday, we have the joyous celebration of his resurrection. He appeared in a glorified body when He came forth from the tomb. After His ascension, He is now gone from us in His earthly existence. We will see Him in heaven where He reigns as King. That is definitely a good thing.

Do you feel sad on Good Friday?
Let me know your thoughts.  I’d love to hear your responses.



 Now, here are a few things for you to consider: Is Jesus still considered a God/Man after His resurrection? He wasn’t incarnate before coming to earth. Did He remain incarnate after ascending to heaven, or did His humanity cease at His resurrection? His glorified body after the resurrection makes me think He retains His God/Man identity.  What do you think?  Comments on these questions?

 

 

10 comments:

  1. I hyavent felt sad in the past becuase i know and understand why it happened, but after watching the bible series and just seeing it with my eyes instead of just my heart and mind, left me with a different feeling. A feeling i cant describe in words.

    I am gaining a better knowledge as i continue to watch this series..

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  2. Isn't it wonderful how God opens our hearts to new insights? I'm thankful for the Bible series too.

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  3. Gay - what a powerful piece. I think Jesus' walk on earth made him well aware of how we see and feel things as humans. I saw a plaque in a Bible bookstore add yesterday: Crown of Thorns On His Head, Cross of Wood on His Back, You on His Mind.

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  4. Good questions, Gay. My answer is:
    Sad, yes. Sad to think the Precious Lamb Of God had to die in my place for sins I've committed. And grateful that I don't have to bear the burden of my punishment because Jesus took it to the Cross for me. And rejoicing because I serve such a Wonderful Savior Who rose again and is sitting on the right hand of the Father. The Only Begotten Son of the Living God alone could accomplish all this, so obviously He has been and always will be part of the Godhead.

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    1. Yes. Jesus was and is from the beginning and will always remain in his glorified place in the Godhead. Isn't it wonderful?

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  5. Great post, Gay. Wish I had the answers! Even though I don't, these are wonderful points to ponder. Easter is a wonderful occasion for those who believe. He is risen! Hallelujah!

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    1. Thanks Carlene. I know He appreciates our thoughts.In Malachi 3:16-17, the Lord tells us He listens to us talk about Him to each other. We are jewels to Him with our adoration.

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  6. Wonderful blog post. It hurts me when I see Jesus being nailed to the cross. I have to turn my head. To think that he did this for me and everyone else so we could have salvation. My God is indeed an awesome God!

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