Good Friday to each of you,

I wrote this blog last year, but hope you enjoy the photos and story again. May each of you remember the sacrifice of Friday, and the joy of Easter morning!

Warmly,

Shirley

We saw sights we’d only read about.

About a year ago, we traveled to Israel. We saw many sights we’d only read about. Floated in a boat, much like what Jesus used on the Sea of Galilee. We walked on the very stones Jesus walked on.

Jesus sweat drops of blood for the dread of what was to come.

Capernaum, where Jesus walked and worked

We strolled where Jesus taught the Sermon on the Mount. We wandered in the sun-dappled Garden of Gethsemane, though it was night-time when Jesus sweat drops of blood, for the dread of what was to come.

We saw the very shackles Jesus’ hands were tied to. Oh the dread…..

We silently stepped down narrow circular stairs, descending into where they believe Jesus was held between trials in an unused cistern. We saw the black metal shackles attached to the walls where they tied prisoner’s hands. The very ones Jesus’ hands were tied to, as He waited in pain and chilly darkness for another trial. Our group stood quietly in the gloomy lower place. No one spoke, except our tour guide who gave brief explanations of where we were.

Jesus…naked on the cross.

We looked out to where the crucifixion may have taken place. The place of the Skull. It was chilly during our time in Jerusalem. It rained often, the wind blew, and sometimes the sun briefly came out. Most likely the weather was like that when Jesus was naked on the cross. There was a terrible thunder storm and earthquake during the time of His crucifixion. We found a piece of pottery that depicted Jesus on the cross. You can see the agony on Jesus’ face.

Jesus on the cross

They placed Him in a borrowed tomb.

Later in the day, we walked through another beautiful garden and gazed at the tomb where Jesus may have been buried. That day it was sunny, but more than the sun, I was again reminded that Jesus truly did rise from the dead!

He died, but rose again.

Death is cold and lifeless. It is still and the opposite of life and movement. Jesus experienced the humanness of death. But His death was not the end, for Jesus did what we could not do. He rose from the dead because He was God. He did it for you–and me.

Remember the totally amazing story of Jesus.

This Easter weekend, as you color Easter eggs with your children or grandchildren. As you prepare for an Easter meal on Sunday. As you go to Good Friday service this evening, remember the totally amazing story of Jesus. Who was God and came to earth to live and die for us. But the part we must not forget, He rose again!

Christ the Lord is risen. He is risen indeed!