The Garden–Jerusalem, 2016.

It was cold. I had just eaten a full meal with the rest of the disciples and we sang a hymn–my favorite part of being together with the other believers. My belly was satisfied, but I was troubled by my Master’s words. He said someone would betray him. Several of the disciples asked Jesus, “Is it I?” We walked out to the garden.

In Spring during the daytime, it is peaceful. The leaves of the gray green olive trees give shade and you can hear the birds singing, watch them care for their nests and search for food. It is restful in the daytime. This late Thursday evening, though, it was cold and dark. I was sleepy and just wanted to go home, into my warm bed, and sleep. But Jesus asked his disciples to wait and pray with him. I hung back with the rest of the women. Jesus seemed very troubled. I glanced up a few times and saw him in the distance on his knees, praying. I overheard him say, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:43). Tears streamed down his face. It looked like he was sweating. How could he be sweating when it is cold out here?  I wondered. Later, I learned Jesus was so distressed his sweat was like drops of blood (Luke 22:44).  

I fell asleep, so tired I couldn’t stay awake any longer.  Loud voices woke me up. Judas, Jesus’ betrayer, ran up to Jesus and kissed him. This was the sign to the Temple guards who Jesus was. There also was a mob of people with them. I was never so scared. I ran and stumbled in the darkness, tripping over rocks and roots on the ground. My heart beat rapidly and sounded so loud to me, I hoped no one could hear me. Snot was running from my nose, tears running down my cheeks. I was nearly out of breath, I ran so fast. I should have stayed and not run. I was a coward.

I learned later they took Jesus to the High Priest’s home and put him down in the cistern–a deep and dark, cold place. The guards blindfolded him and beat him. Mocked him and taunted, “Who hit you this time?” (Luke 22:64). Later, they dragged him to the Priest and King Herod for a trial. A mock trial. There were false witnesses who told lies about him. They beat him. And then, declared Jesus guilty. They even beat him again. In addition to all of the indignities and cruelties done to this innocent man, he was forced to carry his own cross to the execution site. Exhausted from the cruel beatings and no sleep, he fell  under the burden. They grabbed a man named Simon from Cyrene to carry the cross for him; pressed a woven wreath of thorns–long, sharp, thorns that tear up the flesh, on his brow, mocking him as though he were a king. They ripped his clothing off and cast lots to see who would get the garments. They mocked him.

There he was, the Son of God, naked for everyone to see. No clothing to hide him. But the worst part of it all,  he should not have been there. He was God! The Creator of the world, come to earth as a human man to die for the sins we’ve committed. The sins past and into the future, he paid the price.

I didn’t understand all of it then, but on the third day, the morning after the Sabbath, a miracle happened. Jesus rose from the dead! Later, he appeared to his disciples and other followers. He was alive! But the evidence of his suffering was on his body. The holes in his wrists and ankles. The scars from the beatings and the marks of the “crown” of thorns. 

Some of his followers didn’t recognize him at first.  While walking along the road with a man they didn’t recognize (it was Jesus), they talked about Scripture and when they came to their house, they invited Jesus to eat with them….”When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us? “(Luke 24:31-32).

Many of us saw him. We were overjoyed at seeing him again, and threw ourselves at his feet. Never again did I doubt that Jesus was the Messiah. My life was forever changed that day.

***

This is the road Jesus traveled to his crucifixion (2016, Jerusalem).

The story above is just my interpretation of how a woman follower who watched from a distance might have experienced during those days. I tell the story as though I were there–and of course I wasn’t there, but I used portions from the Gospels to give details we already know. I thought my telling the story from a first person’s point of view, might seem more real. Because of course, the story from the Gospels are real. Every part of them.

I grew up singing songs about Jesus’ death and resurrection and this week, Jim and I have been singing some of them. The following by Isaac Watts (1674-1748) seems fitting here:

Alas! and did my Savior bleed

And did my Sovereign die?

Would He devote that sacred head 

For sinners such as I?

  • Was it for sins that I have done

He suffered on the tree?

Amazing pity! grace unknown!

And love beyond degree!

  • Well might the sun in darkness hide and shut His glories in,

When Christ, the great Redeemer, died

For man the creature’s sin

  • Thus might I hide my blushing face

While His dear cross appears,

Dissolve my heart in thankfulness,

And melt mine eyes to tears.

  • But drops of grief can ne’er repay

The debt of love I owe;

Here, Lord, I give myself away–

‘Tis all that I can do.

If you know the melody, sing along. If not, you might like to read it aloud. The words take you to the cross……

I like the acronym using FAITH given in one of my Bibles.

F is for Forgiveness–we cannot have eternal life and heaven without God’s forgiveness

A is for Available. Forgiveness is available. It is–available for all, but not automatic.

I is for Impossible–Because of who He is: God is loving and just. His judgement is against sin. Because of who we are: Every person is a sinner. But how can a sinful person enter heaven, when God allows no sin?

T is for Turn–Turn means to repent. Turn from something: sin and self. Turn to Someone: trust Christ only.

H is for Heaven Heaven is eternal life. Here. Hereafter. (The Apologetics Study Bible ©2007, Holman Christian Standard Bible © 1999, Holman Bible Publishers).

Before Easter Sunday–or Resurrection Sunday, I plan to read the chapters covering the arrest, trial, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Will you join me? You can start with the first gospel, Matthew at Chapter 26 to 28. Turn a few more pages to Mark Chapter 14 to the end of the gospel. Luke is next. Start at Chapter 22 and read to the end of the book. And finally, the gospel of John, beginning at Chapter 19 to the end of the book. There are four versions of the same story, seen differently by four different men.

Six years ago, I walked the streets where Jesus walked. I saw the Garden with olive trees that were most likely there when Jesus was there. And the tomb where he might have been laid, and then rose again.

We must celebrate this Sunday. But first, let’s remember.

At the Holy Sepulcher, 2016.

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