Lent Devotional 19

It is still dark outside. We had a full night last night with out Maundy Thursday Communion Service. I had an okay night of sleep although I did wake up early thinking about this devotional. But try as I might I have no life experiences that remotely resemble what Jesus would have faced on this Friday in his life.

Although Jesus had eaten a last meal with his disciples and spent some quiet time in the Garden of Gethsemane, he had a long night. He most likely got no sleep or breakfast. His trip to Golgotha was the longest and most painful journey a human being could ever make and his death on a cross is beyond human description.

But the early church and the Gospel writers had to describe this Friday in Jesus’ life in some way. The Synoptic writers Matthew, Mark, and Luke see the crucifixion as a moment of suffering and abandonment. In Mark Jesus says, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (15:34b) But in the Gospel of John Jesus makes the claim that “God will glorify him at once” (13:32).  The mystery is that Crucifixion is glorification. The result of the glorification is found in the commandment that Jesus gives ….. “that just as I have loved you, you may love one another” (13:34).

The sun is now up. The dogs have barked and have been walked. Breakfast is now done and another normal day is underway.

But may you and I be aware that this day should be anything but normal. It should be a day that can open up the possibilities of glorifying God through our acts of love.

SHALOM,

Tom Mc