(Garden of Gethsemane, Israel) MAUNDY THURSDAY, APRIL 14THA TIME OF SHARED STRUGGLE We gather around Jesus in somber silence today, for we know what …
MENTORING MOMENTS – FROM DESPERATION TO SURRENDER
Thursday, April 14th, 2022
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
— Luke 23:34 (NIV) —
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
— Colossians 3:13-14 (NIV) —
Bible Reading • Luke 23:32-34
The Crucifixion of Jesus
“Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.”
We read in these three verses that Jesus forgave His executioners and prayed to His Father for their absolution. Jesus looked at the men who nailed Him to the cross with compassion, with love and He spoke forgiveness to them and prayed for them. Jesus did exactly what He had been teaching throughout His ministry, love one another.
I read something recently that has had an unsettling affect on me. I read a post on Meta, formerly called Facebook by someone I follow. It troubled me so much that I actually ask others I know and respect, to read it as well. Some of my them were eager to share their thoughts, while one did not respond and another responded only with a question directed back at me. All of these responses and even the non-response one were valuable to me. At first, When I read the post I was very confused and kind of angry that someone believed a truth of mine to be a metaphor as not being true or at least not perceived true in real life. I simply felt very uneasy and kind of agitated. I have since come to the conclusion that my unsettling was in fact a conviction of my theology, a foundation stone of my Christian faith. This all came together after reading my Lenten devotional for today. It’s not an issue of right or wrong, real or metaphorical, it’s my own personal belief; and it’s important to me not to compromise it. *I’ll share the quote below.
During these last few days of Lent is it easy to fast forward over the ugliness and pain of the crucifixion and go straight to Sunday morning and the stone rolled away, singing “He Lives!” I think we need to pause, and allow ourselves to experience it all, the bad and the good. The good is Great because the bad is so Ugly. Our salvation came at a price and it deserves our attention and our grief that such a price was needed and freely given. It’s not pretty but was necessary. I have a friend who refuses to watch the movie, “The Passion of Christ” due to the violence and painful cinematography; but can you even imagine what Jesus’ mother endured. The movie is not for entertainment value, rather it is a visual display of the depths of Jesus’ love for us.
I am a firm and faithful believer in the “LOVE” of Jesus and yes it’s beautiful, calming and reassuring. Jesus’ love is life-giving in a world that is so depleted of such a needed commodity. The book I chose to read during Lent is called, “Uncovering the Love of Jesus.” and it does not gloss over the parts that are uncomfortable. Being a Christian is not for the faint of heart, we are warriors for Christ. I love a good sermon that gives me the “feels.” But I also need the tough sermons that teach truth, those Bible stories that are messy and show the glory of God working in and through lives of ordinary people.
I’ve heard it said, there’s a church out there for everyone and I believe that. It certainly explains all the different denominations, church practices and the many traditions that are utilized.
I am saying for me, the crucifixion of Jesus has to be part of the Easter story, and as much as I am not looking forward to Friday, I know Sunday is coming! Praise Be To God!
I respect your views and faith practices whether you agree or disagree with my ever grow theology. I will continue to read, study, learn and write more about the God I serve, He loves me though I am not deserving and He saved me not because I’m worth but because He loves me. And, He loves you too.
Challenge • Question
Who in your life do you need to forgive?
Pray for them today, ask God to uncover His love in your heart towards them.
✝️ • 🙏🏻 • 💟 • 🙏🏻 • ✝️
Meta Post:
Further Study
The Stoning of Stephen
Thank you for stopping by my blog today, I am blessed by your support and encouragement. ~ Peace be with you all!
~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.
References:
https://doubtersparish.com/author/
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