MARCH 30:- APRIL 5: EASTER

Come Follow Me “He Will Swallow Up Death in Victory”

In many Christian traditions we take a memorial walk through the Easter week with Jesus.

It begins with Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Jesus had avoided Jerusalem for some time, knowing that the Jewish leaders sought his death. On this day, resigned to what must come, he entered through the Eastern Gate riding upon a young donkey - a symbol of peace - and a fulfillment of prophecy. (Zechariah 9:9) Many thronged the streets to welcome him, waving and laying down palm fronds symbolizing victory, triumph, peace, and royalty, recognizing him as King of King, the promised Messiah. We remember this as Palm Sunday.

News of Jesus spread, as it is spreading today. ‘Go tell the world about me’

The Commission - CAIN

Cleansing Monday - Jesus cleanses the temple. If being praised on the streets as Messiah the day before hadn’t got the attention of the church leaders- this messy ‘cleansing’ certainly would have been an outright insult to them. As if Jesus was purposely trying to get them angry. Or had a very necessary point to make.

The temple, that we regard as sacred, stands as a beautiful reminder of Christ. ‘This Cornerstone, this solid ground, Firm through the fiercest drought and storm’. Although the temple in Jerusalem was destroyed, holy temples are being built worldwide today. However, the temple that is Christ, will not, can not be destroyed!

In Christ Alone - Celtic Worship ft. Steph Macleod

On Teaching Tuesday, Jesus teaches in the temple. On what some call ‘Spy Wednesday’ plots were made for his death - and betrayal. Yet another momentous thing happened that day: While he was eating at someone’s home, a nameless woman came in and anointed Jesus from head to foot with oil, with her tears and her hair she bathed his feet. More than many of his closest friends, she understood who he was, and what was to come for him. So I’ll call this Anointing Wednesday. A time to remember just who Christ is, and what he does in my own life.

Maundy Thursday, coming from the Latin word mandatum = commandment = Eucharist/Sacrament. At the last supper Jesus taught the sacramental ordinance with bread and wine, which we participate in today. It is a reminder of him, his body and blood spilt on our behalf.

Then came the long night spent in Gethsemane. I know you want the song. ‘The hardest thing that ever was done, The greatest pain that ever was known, The biggest battle that ever was won— This was done by Jesus! The fight was won by Jesus!’

Gethsemane - The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square & a Children’s Choir

It was early Friday morning, which we now call Good Friday, after a long and painful night Jesus was taken by authorities. Through a speedy trial, with no one there to act as his advocate, he was sentenced to death. A cruel death, with additional punishments that all meant to humiliate. Flogging, to tear muscles and tendons of a strong body. A crown of thorns. A seamless robe of scarlet or purple was meant as a mockery of priestly or kingly authority. And then, injured and bloodied, he was forced to carry his own crossbeam (average 110 lbs) upon which he would be nailed.

‘I’ll carry my cross and I’ll carry the shame ... And I’ll do it for love; No it won’t be in vain.’ He carried OUR shame! He will lift OUR cross to help OUR burden become light.

Carry My Cross - Third Day/TheGreatGazolio

What happened on Saturday? For me this is the most magnificent day that we seldom talk about. Jesus was in the Spirit World, with many who had been waiting for him, had watched him through his ordeals, perhaps had offered strength. I imagine a first embrace with his adopted father, Joseph, covered in tears for the pain that had been endured. — It is those who are imprisoned in death who are his reason. He went through mortality - to break the hold of death. That’s what it was all about.

What did that look like, when on Easter Sunday morning those bands were broken? Mortal and spirit combined again with something more - an essence that is eternal. Immortal. That now becomes apart of us all - after death - because of Jesus. Imagine those in the spirit world with him alighting from their prison!

‘He won the fight we’d never win, so we will rise and testify of him.’

Jesus the Christ - Carrie Yost

I testify of Him. He lives. We will live again- as something grander. What a glorious thing to celebrate.

Easter Song - Glad, with video from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

Let us not be short-sighted. Have a Happy, Glorious Easter!