April 2021

Would you be in the crowd yelling, crucify Him? On this day we reflect the torture’s Jesus went through for you and me. I would like to think that I wouldn’t have been in that crowd yelling, “crucify Him.” But I have to say, my track of following others for the wrong reason in my life has happened. But if He wasn’t crucified how could He have saved us? Many thoughts and mysteries on this day. Let’s remember what Jesus said before He entered and opened up the Heavenly Kingdom.

“Father Forgive Them, They know not what they do.” (Luke 23:24)

Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43)

When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son.” (John 19:26)

DARKNESS NOON TO THREE PM.

“My God my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34)

“I thirst” (John 19:28)

“It is finished” (John 19:30)

Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last. (Luke 23:46)

The prophecy is fulfilled. About 3pm the veil tore from top to the bottom. Some rocks rolled away from the graves and people rose. So much to process and to focus on, He died for us to take away all sin.

Let us pray, Dear Heavenly Father, help me to live a life that is worthy to say thank you for giving the sacrifice of your Son. Help me to accept my cross I must carry, to learn to love and grow in faith. Give me grace to do your will each and everyday. Help me to share your word by loving actions and not just by words. Lord Jesus we love you and praise you not only today but everyday. Amen!

9Shawn Dee Sharrett, Sharon Romine Witmer and 7 others2 Comments1 Share

Today visualize the things Jesus did today, pause and be reminded of His pure and unselfish love. What does Maundy mean? It is derived from the Latin word “command,” Jesus leaves His disciplines and us with commandments and teachings that will stay in this world forever. “Love one another as I have loved you.” At the Last Supper, The Holy Eucharist, this is my body, and this is my blood. “Do this in memory of me.” This is happening at Passover the festival that commemorates the exodus of the Jews from Egypt. Why did Jesus wash His disciple’s feet? In John chapter 13, Jesus teaches them and us to be servants and to love and to serve, no matter who you are we must be humble. Jesus tells the story that He will eat no more until the kingdom of God is fulfilled. Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane, He falls to His knees, where His human emotions overwhelmed Him with sadness and anguish and cried out, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass me by. Nevertheless, let it be as You, not I, would have it.” “If this cup cannot pass by, but I must drink it, Your will be done!” (Matthew 26:42) Then Jesus came forward and confronted His arresters when Judas gave Him a kiss on the cheek to signal, He was the one. God’s will began.

Dear Lord, our Heavenly Father, You gave us Your only Son, He shared His humanness with us so we could learn from Him. Serving others even by washing their feet. Help us to continue to learn from His actions. Strengthen our hands and our wills to share Your love and be a servant to others. Teach us to simply trust and open our hearts to receive all you have for us. Help us to keep strong in our faith and ask for grace. Let us keep our eyes open even in the darkest times, knowing Christ will lead us, because He is the light of the world. Help us understand that power is not of worldly things, like money, titles, or what we own. Christ on the Cross, He was powerless but even today this example of His love brings us to our knees and we have learned through Him that the Trinity is our power, through the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This is a free gift You have given us, only if we have the courage and the faith to trust! We ask for this courage! In your precious name of Christ who died for all of us. Amen!