The End of the Story

There is much written about Friday, the day Jesus the Christ was crucified–a most terrible death. The unfair trial. False witnesses. Injustice piled upon injustice. We can read about how for three hours during the time Jesus was on the cross, it was dark. A curtain was pulled across the sun . It was such a dark day when the son of God was crucified. And finally, Jesus cried in a loud voice, “It is finished.” Moments later, he gave up his spirit–He died.

I can remember the dreadful time when I heard of a close one who had died. There is a numbness. I was so surprised I didn’t die when I was told the news, “he’s gone.” In all instances of learning of a death of one close to me in my family, how I wanted to be with the other family members who loved that person. I imagine the disciples and the women who witnessed Jesus’ death were together. What did they say? Did they recall memories. “Do you remember when he healed Mary Magdalene of the seven demons?” Or, “just last week, he commanded dead Lazarus to ‘come forth,’ and he did!” I’m sure there were words of regret. “Why did I leave his side? I should have stayed.” There must have been gallons of tears shed that next day. On the day after Jesus’ death that Saturday, sometimes called Holy Saturday.

We know the end of the story–Sunday–the first day of the week–Jesus rose. But let’s remember the two days previous to the resurrection. Listen to this rendition. Imagine the sorrow His followers felt. Yes, later there was joy, but first, there is sorrow.

Today is Good Friday. Take the time to read the accounts in the four gospels. Matthew 27. Mark 15. Luke 23. John 19. Read them slowly. Take in the words. Remember. And thank Him for this gift of love. His dying for us. Jesus said this at the Last Supper,

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.”

Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it.

“This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,” he said to them (Mark 14:22-24 NIV).

While we know what happened on Sunday morning. He rose from the dead. He appeared to many–at least five-hundred. A miracle and proof of His deity. But first, let’s remember.

Most of us can remember the terrible time after a loved one has died. How lost we felt. How we wanted to talk and hug and be with that person.

This story, however, ends differently. Jesus died, yes. But He rose from the dead. Ending death and giving us life eternal.

“Lord, You gave Your life for me. Thank you. Best of all, You rose again. You conquered death. I praise You and worship You.”

Listen and watch. The words tell the story. The flight shows some of God’s beautiful creation, as my son, Todd, flies one of the two airplanes below.