The Lonely Side and Hope of Easter
“Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour?’ But for this purpose, I have come to this hour.” John 12:27
The very first Holy Week must have been so excruciating. Jesus knew he was about to suffer greatly. I wonder how he was able to deal with the stress and anxiety as he anticipated betrayal, false accusation, and, ultimately, a cruel undeserving death. This morning I studied the scriptures of Jesus predicting his “suffering and going away.” On multiple occasions, Jesus predicted his death. In fact, each of the gospel writings include Jesus predicting his death or making mention, as in John. (John 12:7-8, John 13:33, John 14:25) The Lord openly talked about how he would face betrayal, suffer, and die by a cruel death. Jesus had conversations with his close followers, which left them confused, and, at times, bewildered. (Mathew 16:21, Matthew 17:22-23, Matthew 20:17-19, Mark 8:31, Mark 9:31, Mark 10:32-34, Luke 9:21-22, Luke 9:44-45, Luke 18:31-33.)
YA’LL! Jesus talked about this a LOT. What does this say to you and me? Was He possibly consumed by what was yet to come? Understandably! Yet He continued to stay in ministry - His calling to do the will of His Father remained at the forefront of His daily life.
Most of us have experienced sleepless nights. You may be walking through a season of suffering right now. When our circumstances and path forward look dark, it can be helpful to look at what posture Jesus took when approaching the crucifixion.
He took on a posture of GRACE, inviting Judas, His betrayer, to the dinner table. It is so heartbreaking that one of the closest people to Jesus acted with such disloyalty. Most of us have been betrayed, and quite frankly, the hurt goes deep, but this betrayal breaks my heart. (Mathew 26:15, 26:25, 26:50 & 56)
He offered COMPASSION to others while walking through the most grueling personal situation. (MRK 6:35-42)
He displayed HUMILITY, which may be the hardest of virtues for us to cultivate and is a central theme of Jesus’ ministry. (Phillipians 2:5-11)
He withdrew from the crowds to be ALONE with the Father. (Mark 1:35)
Jesus was QUIET when facing false accusations, unbearable mistreatment, and death by crucifixion. (Matthew 27:12)
These are just a few examples of how Christ responded. His circumstances would be impossible for any of us, and possibly leave us paralyzed. Wouldn’t you agree?
When reading the verses of Jesus predicting His death, something jumped out in most of these Biblical references..“BUT ON THE THIRD DAY HE WILL BE RAISED FROM THE DEAD.” This is the very foundation of our hope and our good news– actually great news! Our sufferings will not last, God will make all things new. Jesus was not only teaching this lesson to his disciples but to us as well. So let’s hold on and grow in the posture Christ set for us: Grace, Compassion, Humility, Spending Time Alone and Quest with God.
Before Easter Sunday arrives, with all its celebration and glory let’s contemplate the emotional anguish Christ carried within his soul.
Dear Father God,
We can't imagine the anguish you faced as you approached your death. The loneliness and emotional pain, let alone the physical beatings and cruel death. Thank you for saving a wretch like me. We don't want to take your love and sacrifice for granted-help us not to. Holy Spirit, help us to grow in the character of Christ when we walk through suffering. Jesus we take comfort knowing everything we face, you faced and overcame. Oh death, where is your sting?
Enjoy these songs as you contemplate Easter-may God reveal a fresh view of Himself
Oh Death, Where is your Sting?
If this devotion has spoken to you, I would love to hear how by leaving a comment below or emailing me tracyarntzen@gmail.com.