Luke 23

Posted on Apr 4, 2017 in Bible (NT) in a Year |

Tuesday

We are fast approaching the Easter season, and much of what we’ve been reading helps us to remember the events of those days.

It is so hard to read and visualize the struggle that Jesus endured. I can’t imagine the pain that we caused and since he took on the sins of everyone; past, present and future… I am forced to think about when I sin, how much does it hurt him? How much pain do my sins add to his suffering? It is a very sad and overwhelming thought.

We are taking in our sermons on Sunday about the last words of Jesus. And on Sunday, when I was preaching, I gave a recount of the events that took place that day. There were many things happening not only to Jesus but to those around him.

I don’t think anyone truly had any idea of the significance of the events that were taking place and their reactions varied from hatred to love.

-The groups who verbally abused Jesus. Rulers scoffed at him saying “He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ…”
-The man who was forced to carry Jesus’ cross,
-The soldiers casting dice for his garment (a fulfillment of prophecy).
-A Centurion who recognized who Jesus was.
-The two thieves beside Jesus – a good representation of how people respond to who Jesus is.
-Scores of people who knew and loved Jesus but were so afraid they stood off at distance, watching.
– And then there is Mary and John

Luke tells us the personal things that happen, especially to Mary. Do you remember the prophecy that Simeon spoke to Mary at the temple when Jesus was a baby? He said, “A sword will pierce through your own soul too.” (2:25)  I wonder if Mary remembered those words? Because I am pretty sure she felt like a sword was piercing her soul. Mary would have heard Jesus’ last words as she stood there. “Into your hands I commit my spirit.” These words are part of a bedtime prayer that every faithful Jewish mother would have taught her child. It comes from Psalm 31. “Into your hands I commit my spirit / redeem me, O Lord, the God of truth.”

I reminds me of the bedtime prayer I used to recite, “Now I lay me down to sleep… I pray the Lord my soul to keep.”

How did any of his followers endure that day? How can we overlook it as 21 century Christians?

Luke also tells us about the man who buried Jesus. This is what we know about him. His name is Joseph, he was Jewish, a good and righteous man who was looking for the Kingdom of God. We know he was from Arimathea and a member of the Sanhedrin. He did not agree with the actions that took place and went to Pilate to ask for Jesus’ body. He takes the body down form the cross and wraps it in a linen shroud and lays the body in a rock-hewn tomb. What we don’t know, is why? Why would someone like this powerful man care for the body of a convicted, crucified man? Why set himself up for ridicule, or even arrest? These men of the Sanhedrin hated Jesus.

Luke might not tell us why, but I think there is little doubt why Joseph of Arimathea did these things. He knew who Jesus was and he loved him and it seemed liked there was nothing else he could do.

I think we find ourselves at times, like there is nothing left to do. When our world crashes down on us, tragedy strikes, hearts are broken. We do what we can, but it doesn’t seem like very much.

Now, just think of how Jesus must have felt towards Joseph of Arimathea… When there is nothing left to do, we can always focus our love and attention towards the one who died for us. Who laid down His life for us. And in doing that, we can look towards Easter, knowing that it didn’t end here for Joseph, for Mary, for John – it didn’t end here for us… joy will come in the morning – Easter Sunday, early in the day.

Blessings on this amazing season of the year!

Pastor Kathy