Coming to know Jesus happens slowly, like other relationships in our life. Learning to abide, or being present with Jesus takes effort, time and a growing focus on Him and yourself.
But there are dramatic times where we SEE JESUS more clearly, as He truly is.
One such important time is coming this Sunday, EASTER. Easter opens wide to us who Jesus is! It is the dramatic moment in history where Jesus comes openly to reveal Himself to you and me.
Walk with me through Jesus’ last days on earth before He ascended back to his Father in heaven. See if, like me, you find fresh energy and desire to BE with Jesus, seeing Him as He really is … our Savior who desires us and desires for us to know and be known, to love and be loved!
Jesus and the twelve at the Last Supper:
“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to the disciples, saying, ‘take and eat; this is my body’. Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.’”
Jesus in Gethsemane:
“Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, ‘Sit here while I go over there and pray.’ He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, ‘My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.’ Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.’
Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. ‘Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour? Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.’ He went away a second time and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.’ He came back two more times finding the disciples sleeping and resting. Jesus said to them, Look, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us go! Here comes my betrayer!’”
Jesus arrested:
“While Jesus was still speaking, Judas arrived with a large crowd armed with swords and clubs and had arranged a signal with them, ‘The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.’ Judas said, ‘Greetings, Rabbi and kissed him.’ Jesus replied, ‘Friend, do what you came for. Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way. Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you didn’t arrest me. But this has taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.’ Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.”
Jesus before Pilate:
“Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor and he asked Jesus, ‘Are you the king of the Jews?’ ‘Yes, it is as you say.’ Then Pilate asked him, ‘Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?’ But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge—to the great amazement of Pilate. Pilate then asked the crowd who they wanted to have released, a notorious prisoner named Barabbas or Jesus. The crowd shouted, ‘Barabbas!’. ‘What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called Christ?’ The crowed answered, ‘Crucify him!’ When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. ‘ I am innocent of this man’s blood.’”
The Crucifixion: “Good Friday”
“After the governor’s soldiers mocked and brutally beat Jesus, stripping him, spitting on him and putting a crown of thorns on his head they led him away to be crucified. A man named Simon was forced to carry the cross for Jesus as they went to a place called Golgotha. When they had crucified Jesus, they divided up his clothes, casting lots. Above his head they placed the written charge against him: ‘This is Jesus, the king of the Jews.’
Darkness came over all the land from noon until three pm. When Jesus cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the temple curtain was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. When those who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened they were terrified, and exclaimed, ‘Surely he was the son of God.’
As evening approached a man named Joseph, who had become a disciple, went to Pilate, asking for Jesus’ body. Pilate consenting Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance and went away. Pilate ordered a guard to secure the stone at the cave’s entrance and posted another guard as well.”
The Resurrection: Easter Sunday….This is where everything changes for you and me!
“At dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down and rolled back the stone and sat on it. The guards were so afraid they shook, becoming like dead men. The angel of the Lord said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell the disciples he has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see Him.”
This is the testimony from the gospel of Matthew for anyone to read! Whether you are a believer or one who is searching, I hope you take time to read and re-read the testimony of Jesus’ last days. Jesus chose to die, as it was foretold in the prophets, that we may experience resurrection life and power today!
Take time to reflect on these last days of Jesus. Good Friday was necessary for Easter Sunday, so we could proclaim, “HE LIVES!” Jesus waits for you to come to know Him more and more … learning to be with Him daily as He is already with you.
The Renewing Life Center exists to assist you in life challenges and questions you have, including who Jesus is and how we may come to know and walk with Him. We invite you to come as you are!
Pat Meye, Director, Spiritual Formation Institute