We are in the final week of Lent, with Sunday’s celebration of the resurrected Christ. Most commonly, we call this holy day Easter. For Christians around the world it has become very sacred in the traditions of the “church”. Altars will be draped in white and purple linens surrounded by white lilies. Triumphal music will fill sanctuaries and auditoriums… as well as crudely made churches in impoverished communities. No matter the magnificent or humble decor, the message will be the same–Christ crucified has conquered death and rose from its grip–proclaiming victory over a grave and a strong message to satan that he did not win.

What can you and I glean from the resurrection story? 

A trip to Israel is not complete unless one visits the supposed burial tomb of Jesus. Located in a beautiful garden, visitors from around the world line up for an opportunity to step inside and briefly gaze on the slab of stone where His body lay. Interestingly, as folks stand in line there’s a lot of chatter and conversation in the waiting, but as soon as several people can actually be inside the tomb, reverence silence descends in the tight space, bringing about bittersweet awareness that “this” is where a beaten, pierced, bloodied body of a beloved savior was laid to rest.

While our particular group was guided through the garden, our hostess told us a beautiful story from years ago. A number of men from Korea had come to Israel to work on a major building project. Their financial resources were limited and the men made an inquiry asking “what can we do or go that does not cost a lot of money?” They were instructed to visit the Garden of the Tomb because admission is “free”. Those who have preserved the garden and volunteer as guides have done this because the gospel message is free to all too; they don’t want any hindrance to someone hearing the “good news” of salvation. Our guide continued the story telling us that the men came. They walked through the garden, saw the place where we believe the cross was placed for Christ’s crucifixion and the tomb for burial. Elegantly laced into the account these men heard–as does anyone listening to their experience–was the “why” behind Jesus dying on a cross, for the redemption of ALL mankind and that He did so willingly even though under tremendous suffering. What happened next can only be described as a miracle. The men numbered about 30 in all, and upon hearing the gospel message they fell to their knees and said they wanted to follow Jesus, too. They were moved towards the cross’ message of salvation because this person Jesus–whom they most likely were not taught about–gave His life willingly so their sins could be forgiven and the gift of eternal life delivered in an instant to a receptive heart.

The message those men responded to years ago still echoes today in the caverns of minds and hearts that hear words of Christ’s  great sacrifice, rejection, humiliation, but above all–love and hope! That is the message God wants all of us to hear loud and clear, the well known words of John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life”. While that verse is beautiful and holds incredible truth, we often forget verse 17 that comes next…”For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” In verse 18 John instructs us “whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed”....and further into verse 19 an admonition…”Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil”.

Resurrection Sunday reminds us of God’s plan for mankind. Woven into history from the beginning of time, His plan of salvation came to pass according to His perfect timing when Jesus left heaven, born as a baby in humble surroundings, growing to adulthood and ministering to all who were curious about Him, teaching us how to love and foster reconciliation with our enemies. Through Jesus each one of us has an opportunity to step out of our own dark deeds and into His light, leaving past sins behind, embracing new life.

What can you glean from the resurrection story? Is this holy day merely another day to mark off your calendar? In the fray of egg hunts and baskets of candy that seem to now outweigh the actual trappings of Good Friday through Sunday, will you be like one of the 30 men who heard for the “first” time, God’s immense love for them and fall to your knees in gratitude?

I know a lot of hurting people who are “empty” inside and weighed down by life’s hurts and struggles. But God! By giving us Jesus who overcame every obstacle in front of Him, we can gaze upon an “empty” tomb and be “filled” with new life, renewed hope, and everlasting life.

Christ is risen! May you experience the hope that Resurrection Sunday gives to all who place their trust in Jesus. 

I’ve attended my fair share of parades over the years from childhood until the present. Standing or sitting on a curbside street with a crowd of people of all ages, everyone eagerly anticipating the appearance of the “first” float is invigorating. Scattered among the floats are often musicians, clowns, folks walking or riding on floats, each one meant to entertain us and enjoying our shouts of joy and applause as they pass by, making their way along the parade route, and as the last entry passes, the crowds quiet, cheers fade to casual conversations, families disperse and soon the street returns to normal traffic.

We have reached the point in the season of lent referred to as “Palm Sunday”.  Palm Sunday remembers and celebrates when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, as foretold in a prophecy in the Old Testament in Isaiah and Zechariah. 

“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” (Zechariah 9:9)

Prior to entering the city, a week ahead of what was to come–His death and resurrection–Jesus spent time in the Garden of Gethsemane. Under a weight of deep anguish He is before His Father, face planted on the ground actually, prayerfully crying out  “if there be any other way….”

When we visited Israel in 2019 the Mount of Olives and the Garden were part of our tour. Both places were awe inspiring to me as I became aware that I was walking and standing on ground that carried Jesus’ feet 2,000 years ago. The garden is small. Its atmosphere is one of tremendous serenity and its well cared for grounds boast of a beauty I cannot describe. Standing on the mount, looking down at the “old city” and its walls that surround it, gave me yet another sense of awe and feeling God’s supernatural presence. 

Our tour also took us inside the walls of the “old city”. The streets are narrow. They are filled with pedestrians and even small cars making sharp turns to navigate the buildings that house shops, places of study, homes. As I walked along the streets during our time in the city, I tried imagining a time all those years ago when Jesus made His entry on a donkey, people standing on the sidelines cheering for Him and believing that He was coming in order to give them victory to topple Rome.  Jesus did come to defeat an enemy, but not the one they had in mind. Instead, He came to defeat the enemies of sin, death, and the devil that ensnared every man and woman since Adam and Eve.

So why did the people wave palm branches and place them at the feet of Jesus’ colt? No doubt, in Palestine, where Jesus ministered, there were plenty of palm trees scattered throughout the land. But what is the meaning of “palm branches”? According to Easton’s bible dictionary,  the branches and trees actually have a significant meaning. People didn’t just grab whatever leaves they could find for no reason. “Its branches are a symbol of victory (Revelation 7:9) . “Rising with slender stems 40 or 50, at times even 80, feet aloft, its only branches, the feathery, snow-like, pale-green fronds from 6 to 12 feet long, bending from its top, the palm attracts the eye wherever it is seen.” The whole land of Palestine was called by the Greeks and Romans Phoenicia, i.e., “the land of palms.” (source: biblestudytools.com)

I want to take you back to when I gazed at the Eastern Gate. Standing on the Mount of Olives gives the eyes a very clear observation of the gate which is sealed. In 1541 the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman ordered the gate sealed for the final time. Why? It was either to defend the city or because he wanted to prevent the fulfillment of the Jewish prophecy of the Messiah’s return through the Golden Gate. I found myself laughing as I listened to our tour guide explain man’s attempt to actually prohibit Christ’s return through this heavily bricked wall. Afterall, if a huge boulder that sealed a tomb could not contain a resurrected body, how will a stone wall prevent His triumphal return at a future time not indicated on our calendar, but only noted on God’s timeline. (Read Matthew 24)

When the Jewish people lined the streets cheering and giving praises to Jesus their motives were from a place of individual desperation and ignorance understanding God’s plan which would unfold for them in the coming days. We, who now have all of scripture which is recorded history of these events, have a choice to observe Palm Sunday with eyes of deep understanding and appreciation as we reflect on every event from that final week of Jesus’ life among His disciples, followers, and personal enemies.

Many of our churches no longer strew palm branches in our sanctuaries for us to remember this important day in Christian teachings. Yet, even with the absence of a palm branch, as we come together in corporate worship we can lift our voices, raise our hands, and honor the One who came to defeat sin, death, and the devil himself. “This” is a plan worth cheering. “This” is a plan for all to consider and choose whether to be a “spectator” or a “participant”….

The Golden Gate of the Old City wall that has been sealed since 1541, the anticipated entry way for the return of Jesus.

One common method for studying scripture, especially when reading an actual account or a parable, is to insert yourself in the storyline. By asking questions such as “what is the setting?”, “who is speaking”, “who is present?”, “what would you be thinking if you were there, too?” the  reader is able to bring the story to life.

This week I read Mark 14: 12-26 which gives an account of Jesus’ last Passover meal that He celebrated around a table with His disciples. The Passover meal was one in their Jewish tradition that was very familiar and I believe that this particular festive meal posed no differences for them. A guest room had been found. Groceries for the meal were purchased. All was ready as the 12 gathered at the table set before them, reclining as each settled in to enjoy the food and each other’s company.

In the midst of casual conversations around the table, laced with laughter or healthy banter, Jesus offers an interruption that brought a halt to their otherwise bouts of banter and reflections on the day. There is no buffer, no preface for what He’s about to reveal. In a matter of fact way, Jesus declares that “one of you will betray me”.

Immediately, Mark lets us know that the 12 became saddened. I imagine cups were set down on the table. Postures took on a rigid stance. Platters ladened with food were now ignored. All eyes are on Jesus now and each disciple begins uttering “is it me?” “Is it me?”.

The only answer given is that “it is one of you….” the disciples are left hanging, their only clue is that it is one of the 12 at the table, who has feasted with them, who has walked with them and Jesus during his three years of ministry. But Jesus doesn’t leave the 12 in the midst of their dismay, questions, or saddened emotions. He interrupts the atmosphere again, taking up bread and cup, to reveal a new mystery–a broken body that is to come, represented by common bread, and a drink cup–most likely wine–to personify the shed blood which is to come.

The season of Lent is drawing close to the end. The account here in Mark is often referred to as “The Last Supper” which is where we Christians derive our celebration referred to as “communion”. Now, instead of 12 disciples around a table, millions of believers around the world participate in this sacrament…but sadly, instead of “one” person being singled out as a betrayer of Christ, many of us fall short. But God!

Through the shedding of Christ’s blood, the forgiveness of sins, by actively participating in building a sincere relationship with Him, we are not seen as the “one” who betrays, rather God considers us His child, a saint made righteous by the shedding of His son’s blood and our response to that sacrifice.

Lent offers us an opportunity to surrender any apathy we have toward God, family, friends, or neighbors. Just as Jesus was actively present with the 12 around a festive table that began with common foods and later served under a new teaching, a new directive–to eat, drink and remember–we have God’s active presence in our lives, too.

This Lent, may you receive His love for you in the offering of His body and blood. May we all feast at the table He has set before us to remember His sacrifice for all.