He Is risen Indeed!

 

Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples went back to their homes. (John 20:1-10 ESV).

 

The use of the Ichthys symbol by early Christians appears to date from the end of the first century. Ichthus (ΙΧΘΥΣ, Greek for fish) is an acronym, a word formed from the first letters of several words. It stands for "Jesus Christ God's Son Savior," in ancient Greek "Ἰησοῦς Χριστός, Θεοῦ Υἱός, Σωτήρ." Additionally, in the first three centuries of severe persecution, Christians used this symbol to identify each other. They would casually draw half of the Ichthus, the fish, in the dirt or sand. If the other person responded by drawing the other half, it was good. If they did not, it was just an idle doodle. In many churches today believers will greet one another with “Christ is risen!” and the response will be “He is risen indeed!” Whatever our tradition is, we should join centuries of Christians in marking this day as the day that changed everything. We celebrate the amazing truth that although Jesus was dead, he’s now alive forever. Christ Jesus rose victorious over death. He is risen!

 

It’s interesting to notice how John, the gospel writer, anchors the event of the resurrection to a day, a time, and a witness. On a particular day in history, early in the morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene saw that the stone had been moved away from Jesus’ tomb. John wants to be clear. The resurrection of Jesus happened on earth’s soil, in our time, for the benefit of us humans whom God created and loves. Because Jesus is risen, life for us is forever anchored in good news. Christ’s resurrection gloriously demonstrates that God’s sovereign love has the last word. As a powerful hymn puts it, “No power of hell, no human plan, can ever pluck me from his hand.” We now live in the joyful assurance that because Christ lives, we too will live for all eternity.

 

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!

Silent Saturday

 

And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, saying, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” (Acts 5:27-32 ESV).

 

The Saturday between Good Friday and Easter Sunday is often called Easter Vigil or Holy Saturday. On this day we reflect in sorrow on the death of Jesus for our sake. Our sins were so serious that, to save us, Jesus had to take on suffering so horrible that we cannot really imagine it. But we also look ahead in hope, because we know that on Easter Sunday Jesus rose in victory over death and conquered the grave so that we can have life!

 

In our reading from Acts today, the apostles of Jesus speak out to the authorities who are persecuting them. The apostles remind the authorities that they had Jesus “killed by hanging him on a tree,” a reference to Deuteronomy 21:23 (see also Galatians 3:13). These disciples of Jesus are emboldened to speak because they have confidence and power from the Holy Spirit to speak the truth, saying, “We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”

 

Hearing that, the authorities want to kill Jesus’ followers, but Gamaliel, a wise teacher, stops them. He gives reasonable advice, and we can be assured that this comes from the wisdom of God, for Gamaliel says, “Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”

 

As we look ahead to Easter, let’s remember that nothing, not even death, can stand against the Lord, who loves us. Remember… Sunday’s coming!

 

Good Friday?

 

Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” And some of the bystanders, hearing it, said, “This man is calling Elijah.” And one of them at once ran and took a sponge, filled it with sour wine, and put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink. But the others said, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him.” And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many. When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!” (Matthew 27:45-54 ESV).

 

Today has been called “Good Friday” through the centuries following the death of Jesus as believers come together to worship what Jesus did on their behalf. However, I often ponder a bit about the validity of calling it “good” except in retrospect. Of course, as we look back at that day and the excruciating death of Jesus from the perspective of the resurrection it is easy to see the goodness of Jesus’ sacrifice. But, placing ourselves in the moment, I wonder what our reaction would have been. The high priest Caiaphas and the Pharisees got rid of a popular, influential preacher, but at what price? Pontius Pilate, the hardened Roman governor, reluctantly allowed Jesus to be crucified to appease the mob and their leaders demanding Jesus’ life. Pilate turned him over to the execution squad, for whom this was just another death sentence along with two others that day—until the centurion realized they’d killed the Son of God (v. 54).

 

If the disciples called it “good,” it was only after encountering the risen Christ (cf. John 21). And would Jesus say that Friday was “good”? The scene at Gethsemane the night before was agonizing, as Jesus prayed that He would be spared him from his awful mission. Maybe later, back in heaven with God, he could finally say, “Yes, Father, that was a good day.”

 

The term "Good Friday" first occurred in the fourth century. Some think it was originally called “God’s Friday.” Today we can call it “good” if we appreciate the fact that Jesus’ trial, punishment, and death brought our salvation. These truths are seen through the spiritual spectacles of faith. So, in that sense it truly is “Good Friday”!

 

Is this Friday good for you?

 

The Cup of Wrath

 

Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” And going a little farther he fell on his face rand prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again. Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Sleep and take your rest later on. See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.” (Matthew 26:36-46 ESV).

 

Gardens are usually wonderful, peaceful places where we can calm our spirits and focus on what is important. But on this night in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus was in pure agony. Gethsemane means “oil press.” Gethsemane was a garden where olives were crushed and squeezed to extract their oil. In this garden, on the final night of his life, Jesus was crushed and squeezed to the limit. He was crushed in his awareness of the cup of suffering that he would drink the next day at the cross. This was the cup of God’s wrath and judgment that He would take on our behalf (cf. Isaiah 51:17).

 

At the cross, Jesus would have to endure God’s curse on our sin down to the last drop. That’s why he prayed that the cup might be taken from him. But he also prayed that God’s will would be done. The next day Jesus willingly drank that cup. The sun quit shining. Darkness covered the land. Jesus cried out to God, “Why have you forsaken me?” But there was no answer. At that moment Jesus experienced the torments of hell so that we will never have to.

 

Many churches will celebrate the Lord’s Supper today. As you take the cup, remember and believe that Jesus drank the cup of God’s judgment for you.

 

Judas' Price

 

Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?” And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him. (Matthew 26:14-16 ESV).

 

I find it very interesting that we see this side of Judas Iscariot revealed as it is in our reading today. We know that Judas betrayed Jesus. Many have sought to make the betrayal about his disillusionment with Jesus. He was a political zealot who desired that the Jews be set free from the heavy hand of the Roman empire. Undoubtedly, he saw Jesus as the promised Messiah and believed it would be this One who would restore the Davidic kingdom. However, as we see in our reading what led Judas to take this final step of betrayal was simply the money. His question is very revealing. He asks, “What will you give me if I deliver Him to you?”

 

There had been other minor betrayals before this one. In the circle of the twelve closest followers of Jesus, Judas had been appointed treasurer. As donations came in, Judas was expected to use the money for the group’s expenses or to help people in poverty (cf. John 13:29). But Judas also took some of the money for himself. Now Judas saw a better financial opportunity——a more lucrative way to take advantage of his relationship with Jesus. Judas investigated, and he learned he could collect thirty silver coins as a reward for turning Jesus over to the people who wanted him dead. So Judas sold Jesus, his master and teacher.

 

But earlier Judas had been present when Jesus asked his followers this vital question: “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” (Matthew 16:26). Apparently, Judas no longer valued Jesus as his master, or even as a fellow human being. When Jesus was teaching, Judas heard only the clank of silver coins; when Judas looked at Jesus, he saw only a chance to make some money. Now, before we are too hard on Judas, we must examine our own motives. Do we sell out to gain some worldly trinket or treasure? Are we willing to use the name of Jesus for our advantage? If the answer is yes, we are no better than Judas in our own betrayal.

 

Woes to the Pharisees

 

Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others. But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Matthew 23:1-12 ESV).

 

It's just Tuesday of the Week of Passion and we see Jesus confronting hypocrisy directly. I find it a very contemporary truth in today’s world. The Pharisees meet with Jesus as He is teaching. Remember the Pharisees were religious leaders who wanted people to keep the law of Moses. So, they built up all kinds of rules around the basic law. In fact, there are over 3,000 of these laws that they burdened the people with. In the process, many of the leaders got so distracted by the rules that they forgot the heart of the law (love God; love your neighbor), and they did not practice what they preached.

 

In our reading today, Jesus let the Pharisees know what he didn’t like about them. Jesus agreed with a lot of what the Pharisees taught. Jesus was a faithful Jew, so he thought the Pharisees had good things to say about what it meant to love God and to serve God. But Jesus showed that the Pharisees cared more about the appearance of loving God than about actually loving God.

 

Following Jesus does not mean throwing out all religious traditions. Jesus knew that faith is meant to be practiced in community. We cannot be Christians by ourselves; we live within the guidelines of a community of other Christians. But following Jesus also does not mean following the law just for the sake of the law. Jesus always called his disciples to put people first and traditions second. Jesus challenged the Pharisees for making the rules of the law too important. He called them to show love to people, as the law was intended to help them do. Jesus calls us to love people today too, following his excellent example. Commit yourself to being like Jesus rather than merely talking about being like Him!

 

A House of Prayer

 

And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of robbers.” And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them. But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying out in the temple, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignant, and they said to him, “Do you hear what these are saying?” And Jesus said to them, “Yes; have you never read, “‘Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies you have prepared praise’?” And leaving them, he went out of the city to Bethany and lodged there. (Matthew 21:12-17 ESV).

 

Monday was a very busy day for Jesus. Paramount of the events that day was what we know as “the cleansing of the Temple.” There were many reasons for this action from Jesus when He entered the Temple area. Religious huckstering was certainly one of those reason, however it wasn’t the only reason the temple needed to be cleansed. Another reason had to do with God’s mission to the world. There were four courts in the temple. The outer court was where the Gentiles—the non-Jews—could come to worship God. Next was the court of women, and then the court of men. The inmost court was where the priests alone could enter to offer sacrifices.

 

Jesus’ righteous anger at the merchants in the temple was heightened by the fact that they had chosen to do business in the court of the Gentiles. How could anyone from other nations pray and worship God while surrounded by the bleating of sheep and the shouting of buyers and sellers? We can understand the impact of Jesus’ complaint when we look at the actual passage he quoted from Isaiah: “My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations” (Isaiah 56:7). The presence of sellers and money changers made worship impossible for Gentiles—and that angered Jesus.

 

The Jews in charge of temple matters needed to remember that “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Joel 2:32). We must remember that too. Neither our actions nor our traditions should stand in the way of others who seek to worship God.

 

An Untamed Colt

 

Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.” This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying, “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’” The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them. (Matthew 21:1-7 ESV).

 

Today is Palm Sunday, one week before the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection! So much takes place in this last week of Jesus’ ministry during these days. Hopefully we will look at some of these events a bit differently than we have before so that we may find encouragement and hope in our lives. So, today I’ve chosen to focus on the almost overlooked little animal that is so important to Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the untamed colt of a donkey.

 

From our reading we see that Jesus tells his disciples to go into the village, untie a donkey and her colt, and bring them to him. Mark and Luke describe it as a colt that “no one has ever ridden” (cf. Mark 11:2; Luke 19:30). And selecting a donkey’s colt, Matthew explains, fulfills a prophecy (cf. Zechariah 9:9). Riding a donkey’s colt identifies the rider as coming in peace.

 

What’s striking is how that donkey, never before ridden, submitted to Jesus without resisting. Even the loud “Hosanna” shouts of the people seemed to have no impact on this animal. Such unnatural behavior of this donkey’s foal is as instructive as it is miraculous. It is further proof that Jesus has dominion over all of his creation. Did Jesus look for the same submission from his disciples—total surrender to the Master? Paul wrote later, “I urge you in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God” (Romans 12:1). Perhaps our thinking about this colt should prompt us to ask whether we’re submissive to the Lord. Or do we tend to act as might be expected of a stubborn donkey, braying in protest and pulling against the lead? It is always best to submit to the leadership of Jesus. Make that your commitment today.

He Calls Your Name!

 

Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her. (John 20:16-18 ESV).

 

We should not leave the story of Mary Magdalene and Jesus at the empty tomb before we see how Jesus calls out to her. While John and Peter experienced the evidence of the empty tomb and the abandoned grave clothes, Mary had the privilege of a different kind of evidence. She had the amazing opportunity to be one of the first persons to actually meet the risen Lord and hear him speak (cf. Matthew 28:8-10).

 

Mary had been in tears, thinking that someone had stolen Jesus’ body from the tomb. As Jesus approached her, he asked her gently why she was crying. But she thought he was the gardener and assumed he might know where Jesus’ body was. Then Jesus spoke her name: “Mary.” And she knew.

 

All her distress immediately vanished. Instead of the dead body she had hoped to recover, she found herself face to face with the living Lord. It was all the evidence she would ever need. For the second time that morning, Mary found herself running to the place where the disciples were staying, and she announced, “I have the seen the Lord!”

 

Remarkably, God knows our name as well. “See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands,” (Isaiah 49:16). If you listen, you will hear him calling your name deep within. It’s the only evidence you will ever need to know that he is alive. As we begin to look at each of the next days before Easter, please remember that He calls your name. He knows you and loves you so much He died in your place to give you eternal life. Regardless of what you have done or left undone, He comes to you with open arms and healing for all your ills. Trust in Him!

 

Stuck in Grief... Pulled into Joy!

 

But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). (John 20:11-16 ESV).

 

Before we reach the last week before Easter, we must look at the response of those who first found the empty tomb. Today we see Mary Magdalene as she stood outside Jesus’ tomb, crying. Her Lord and friend had died, and a real and legitimate grief had come over her. She was broken-hearted just as any of us are when we experience the death of a loved one. In the same way as with us, Mary’s grief entombed her. It blurred her vision so that when she saw the stone rolled away from Jesus’ tomb, she assumed that someone had stolen his body. And when she saw Jesus standing in front of her, she thought he was a gardener. Jesus, fully alive, faced a friend who was blinded by so much grief that she couldn’t see him.

 

Perhaps Jesus spoke Mary’s name softly, gently. But he might well have said it forcefully to shake her out of her grief: “Mary!”—as if to say, “Get a grip on yourself! I’m alive! I’ve conquered death. I’ve broken its grip. Mary! Leave the tomb behind and come into the joy of new life!” Either way the lesson is still there.

 

Sometimes grief or other harsh realities can overwhelm us so much that we forget Jesus is alive. But he has conquered death—our death, our loved ones’ deaths—and our future is safe in his hands. We legitimately grieve the deaths of people we love, and we struggle with the cruelties of injustice and corruption in this world, but we do so knowing that our grief will one day turn to joy. What a call to thankful living!

 

Christ has risen, and one day he will return again!

 

The Meaning of Easter - Pt. 5

 

Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. (John 20:1-9 ESV).

 

The picture I’ve included with today’s devotional was taken in Washington D.C. Perhaps you can recognize the Washington Monument in the background. It is a part of the vast cemetery known as Arlington National Cemetery. Each year one of the most traditional practices takes place here and at many other cemeteries across the world. This tradition is rooted in our reading today. Easter “sunrise” services commemorate the early morning hour of Christ’s resurrection. These services are reminiscent of the earliest Easter celebrations which included an Easter Vigil, held very late on Saturday night or early Sunday morning. The Vigil ended with the lighting of a candle, celebrating the light of Jesus Christ coming into the world through the resurrection. I have taken part in many such services over the years. Many times these services were multidenominational, as the celebration of the resurrection crosses every boundary men have erected over the centuries since that first Easter morning… Jesus is risen!

 

So, next time you attend an Easter Sunday service, gather with family around the table for Easter dinner, or dye eggs with your kids or grandkids, remember that all of the traditions we have looked at have long histories. If we take time to reflect on the histories and symbolic meanings of these traditions, whether we participate in them or not, it can help us decide how to celebrate a more Christ-centered and meaningful Easter! After all, it is not about eggs, bunnies, festive meals, or sunrises. It is about Jesus having defeated death on our behalf. No grave can hold the child of God captive. We shall be risen with Him!

 

The Meaning of Easter - Pt. 4

 

The next day he [John] saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.” And John bore witness: “I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.” (John 1:29-34 ESV).

 

Almost all of our holidays have involved the Family Feast. Such a grand family meal has always been a part of celebrating the joyous nature of the Easter holiday. It is true today as Easter remains an occasion for families to gather together and share a meal. But, what’s the story behind the traditional foods that are typically served at such meals?

 

We’ve already discussed eggs and their symbolic connection to the resurrection, so it should be no surprise that eggs have had a place on the Easter table since the days of the early Church. Another original staple of the Easter meal is lamb. Lamb and eggs were both part of the Jewish Passover meal, a precursor to early Easter feasts. Lamb also strongly symbolizes Jesus Christ as the “Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (cf. John 1:23). To this day, many people still eat lamb on Easter Sunday.

 

However, the majority of North Americans today celebrate Easter by cooking and enjoying another Easter meat: ham. The tradition of Easter ham arose more out of practicality than symbolism. In Northern Europe, pork was always plentiful and spring was the time to enjoy hams cured over the long winter season. Similarly today, the supply of pork in North America dwarfs that of lamb, keeping this tradition of practicality going strong. Whether lamb or ham is a part of your menu or not, do not miss the truth of our reading today. Jesus is indeed the One who takes away the sin of the world through His sacrificial death. He is also the only One who can give us eternal life through that work of grace and love!

 

The Meaning of Easter - Pt. 3

 

Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off, and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother. So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary remained seated in the house. Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.” (John 11:17-27 ESV).

 

Our reading today is a part of the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. It is an important lesson in eternal life. It is also the foundation of our next examination of the Easter tradition we have come to know as the Easter Bunny. Much like the egg, hares and rabbits have long symbolized fertility and new life. In Medieval Christian art and architecture, particularly in Northern Europe, we sometimes find rabbits depicted in association with the Virgin and Christ child or with the Holy Trinity.

 

But the Easter bunny we know today probably finds its origin among 17th century German Lutherans who told stories about an egg laying hare, that delivered eggs to well-behaved children on Easter (much like Santa Claus). Children would make nests (the precursors to today’s Easter baskets) and leave them out for the Easter bunny to lay eggs in them. In the morning, children would find their nests filled with eggs. In other European countries, animals like foxes, or even cuckoos, fill the role of the Easter bunny and are said to deliver eggs on Easter day. Most scholars think the Easter bunny made its way to North America with German immigrants in the 18th century. Since that time, the tradition of the Easter hare has developed into an Easter bunny that brings not only eggs, but candy, and even presents on Easter morning.

 

The Easter Bunny was meant to teach the truth of eternal life. We can recapture that lesson if we will focus on Jesus’ promise revealed in our reading today. There is no death to those who are the chosen children of God redeemed by the blood of Jesus!

 

The Meaning of Easter - Pt. 2

 

Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, ia ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, lwe know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born oagain he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” (John 3:1-8 ESV).

 

Today we being with one of the most common Easter traditions… Easter eggs! Among ancient Mesopotamian and Egyptian cultures, eggs symbolized life and rebirth. Eggs held similar significance in pre-Christian cultures across Europe. Their inclusion into the celebration of Easter as a symbol of the resurrection occurred fairly early in Church history. Early Mesopotamian Christians dyed Easter eggs red, as a symbol of Christ’s blood. This tradition of dyeing and decorating Easter eggs likely spread from the Eastern Church to the Western Church and by the Middle Ages the practice had become widespread throughout Europe.

 

In Medieval Europe, eggs were also one of the common foods from which Christians abstained during the 40 days of Lent. It should be no surprise then that Christians included them in the celebration of Easter, both by decorating them and eating them during the Easter feast. By the 17th century, the Roman Catholic Church had even included an Easter blessing for eggs in their official rites. The decorating of Easter eggs hit its peak of extravagance in the 19th century, when Russian royalty exchanged jewel-covered eggs at Easter. Many of these were commissioned by the famous jewelry firm, House of Fabergé. Today, most families dye eggs all different colors for Easter. For many it is little more than a cultural tradition, but for some, the eggs still represent the new life that the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ offer to all who believe. It is a great reminder of Jesus’ teaching in our reading today… to have eternal life, we must be born again; and, that happens through the work of Jesus!

 

The Meaning of Easter - Pt. 1

 

But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” And they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. (Luke 24:1-8 ESV).

 

As I mentioned yesterday, Easter can easily be misunderstood. Because of that truth, we will spend a few days reviewing some of the traditions and practices that have developed over the years. First we should remember that at its very essence Easter is a Christian holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ after his crucifixion; however, it is also a popular secular holiday celebrated by the majority of North Americans. Colored eggs, Easter egg hunts, and baskets full of candy, all brought by a mysterious magical bunny, delight the culture-at-large, regardless of faith background.

 

It is also a time for families to gather together on Easter Sunday to share feasts of ham, lamb, and deviled eggs. And for some an Easter sunrise or worship service may be an important annual experience. But where did these traditions come from? Do any of them have biblical or religious significance, or are they secular, or even pagan, in origin? Well, the answers may surprise you.

 

First, let me be clear from the outset that the Bible does not directly mention a holiday or festival set aside for the celebration of Christ’s resurrection. However, the event that Easter celebrates, the resurrection, is chronicled in all four of the gospels and is referred to over one hundred times throughout the New Testament. The first known written reference to a holiday celebrating the resurrection, referred to then as Pashca (the Latin translation of the Greek word for Passover), was made in the mid-2nd century AD. The account reflects a developed mode of celebrating the resurrection by that time, signaling that Easter was likely celebrated by even the earliest of Christians. The resurrection is a cornerstone even and as such it is pivotal in our church calendar. Through the years other meaningful practices were added. We’ll look at those in the following days. Today, center your attention on the fact that Jesus is risen!

Palm Sunday

 

Now when they drew near to Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately as you enter it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord has need of it and will send it back here immediately.’” And they went away and found a colt tied at a door outside in the street, and they untied it. And some of those standing there said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” And they told them what Jesus had said, and they let them go. And they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it, and he sat on it. And many spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut from the fields. And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!” And he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple. And when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve. (Mark 11:1-11 ESV).

 

We are about a week early in the actual calendar; however, starting the devotionals about Easter this early gives us more time to process the incredible magnitude of Jesus’ redemptive work on our behalf. Today we are looking at the day Jesus makes His entry into Jerusalem for the events leading to His crucifixion, death, and resurrection. Jesus enters the "City of Peace" ("Jerusalem") as the people cheer, "Hosanna!," which means, "Save!" It is unlikely they understood what was happening. Even the inner circle of Jesus’ disciples did not yet fully grasp the significance of the coming events.

 

The crowds took their salvation cry from Psalm 118:25-26. They wanted Jesus to overthrow the Romans and take back their capital city (cf. John 6:15; Acts 1:6). Had they forgotten his prophecy about going to Jerusalem to suffer and die for their salvation (Mark 8:31; 9:30-32; 10:32-34)? Easter's victory would be impossible without Good Friday's surrender to death. And what of the two disciples Jesus sent to get the colt? Were they honored to do this for Jesus? Thankfully, they did as directed, and their obedience challenges us to be obedient disciples.

 

Sadly, the crowds' cheers would soon turn into jeers. So it goes when a hero—even God—doesn't give us what we want. But today we know who Jesus is and who and whose we are. It should motivate us to shout our "Hosannas" in truth.

 

The High Priest

The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself. For the law appoints men sin their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever. (Hebrews 7:23-28 ESV).

 

As we draw closer to Easter we will look more at the last week before the crucifixion, today we will look through today’s reading from Hebrews one phrase at a time. Here is what we read about Jesus.

 

First, look at the verse, “…there have been many … priests,” Jesus is the one Savior. He is the living, eternal Savior, for he “lives forever.” Jesus is the permanent Savior—“he has a permanent priesthood.”

 

Second, Jesus is a complete Savior—“he is able to save completely.” He is a welcoming Savior—he saves “those who come to God through him.” He is an unfailing, praying Savior—“he always lives to intercede” for us.

 

Third, Jesus is a fitting Savior—he “truly meets our need.” He is a righteous, unimpeachable, unblemished Savior—he is “blameless, pure.” He is a “holy” Savior—“set apart from sinners.” He is an ascended Savior—“exalted above the heavens.”

 

Fourth, Jesus’ atoning work is finished—“he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day … he sacrificed for [our] sins once for all.” And he is a willing Savior—“he offered himself.”

 

Finally, Jesus is the only Savior (John 14:6). And we may call him “our Savior.” Lent is a good time to meditate deeply on our one, all-sufficient Savior.

  

Bits and Pieces

 

And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him. And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves. For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. For the Son of Man goes pas it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!” (Luke 22:14-22 ESV).

 

The stained-glass window we have hanging in our home was a gift from the last church I pastored, Santa Fe Baptist Church, in Tennessee. It is identical to the windows we placed in the transoms of our sanctuary. It is a cherished reminder of the incredible years we spent there with wonderful folks. When we visited with the artisan who would craft it, he asked that we pick out the glass for the window. There were scores of choices both in colors and texture of glass. As I looked at the variety, I wondered how he could make that into a window. He said, “It’s a bit like putting a jigsaw puzzle together.

 

I understood that image. I have often enjoyed spreading out a puzzle on the table and watching it come together. Of course, my artistry is minimal, but the patience is the same, and the reward is beautiful. Someone has said that the fine cathedral windows of Notre Dame were fashioned out of discarded glass fragments. The stained-glass artist had greater skill and worked harder than we do, but the principle is the same—turning fragments into beauty.

 

The Bible mirrors the continuous fragmentation of life and relationships—Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, Noah and his sons, Abraham and Lot, Sarah and Hagar, Jacob and Esau, Joseph and his brothers (all these in Genesis!), and then Miriam and Moses, David and Absalom, Jew and Gentile, and even Paul and Barnabas. Today we know such fragmentation on a much more personal level. However, Jesus puts us together creating beauty. Lent is a good time to mourn our brokenness and find our wholeness in Christ.

 

Serving with Humility

 

Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that phis hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him, Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” (John 13:1-7 ESV).

 

Jesus personified serving with humility. When Jesus was transfigured, Peter wanted to build three shelters. Luke comments, “He did not know what he was saying.” Though the disciples spent time with Jesus, witnessed many miracles, and heard his amazing teaching, they often did not grasp what it meant to follow him. Later in that same chapter, for example, Luke writes, “They did not understand” (cf. Luke 9:45). Humanly speaking, Jesus would have had good reason to impatiently “throw in the towel” as he worked with these disciples. Throughout his entire teaching and preaching ministry they often showed that they had barely learned anything.

 

But it’s a cynic who throws in the towel, not a servant. The Savior, on the night before his death, wrapped a towel around his waist and proceeded to show his disciples that life in the kingdom of God is about humbly serving others. “I have set you an example,” Jesus says (John 13:15). This is also the path meant for us.

 

Serving others in Jesus’ name can be uncomfortable, humbling, and even painful. It can be costly. Bringing glory to God can be inglorious to ourselves. Lent is a good time to lay down our pride and serve others for Jesus’ sake.

 

Are You Grumbling?

 

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ sI may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. (Philippians 2:12-16 ESV).

 

Grumbling is the antithesis to gratitude. Yet, we all fall into that pattern from time to time. I can grumble at the gas station (high prices), at the grocery store (not enough checkout lanes open), at the doctor’s office (it takes so long to get in), watching television (the commercials are so long), in the kitchen (emptying the dishwasher), on the driveway (the inside of the windshield smears when I clean it). My tent of discontent can be huge! No wonder Jeremiah Burroughs’ 1648 classic is titled The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment. And what he wrote in the book is true: “Murmuring is below the spirit of a Christian.”

 

I am often reminded of my grumpiness when Mary will say, “You must not feel well. You sure are grumpy.” It is a great reminder that regardless of my inconvenience, no one deserves my grumbling. No wonder Jesus had to die on the cross—our sins include even our grumbling, murmuring, complaining, and discontent. And he died without grumbling about our grumbling!

 

We have the perfect example in Jesus. He didn’t grumble; in fact, “he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” (cf. Philippians 2). We, then, should “have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.”

 

Lent is a good time to work on our attitude and give up our grumbling.

 

Kindness

 

And you were dead in the trespasses and sins In which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—  and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:1-10 ESV).

 

There is no shortage of the contrast between kindness and not. In fact, just in the last week we were given a full dose of both the kindness of men and the unkindness of men. I heard one media personality quote the well-known comment from Plato, as she said, “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” I have often read of playwright Douglas Jerrold (1803-1857) as he was described as a man so kind that “he would have held an umbrella over a duck in a shower of rain.” Our reading today describes the ultimate kindness which has been shown toward man.

 

In the midst of his letter, the Apostle Paul wrote, “Do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness … not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?” We have all lost hard battles with sin. But Christ’s umbrella is cross-shaped, protecting us from a deluge of God’s just wrath. God, our Father, is kind beyond measure so that “…he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.”

 

Lent is a good time to reflect on God’s kindness as well as being very intention about showing kindness toward others.