As I was reading this week about the days leading up to Jesus’ arrest, torture and crucifixion, I thought how our modern Easter break has become so sugar coated with chocolate, bunnies, lambs and ducks that we can forget the horror behind the celebration. The tragedy of God’s own Son, the only one to ever love us unconditionally, being murdered in such a terrible way.
In those last days before His arrest, every story Jesus told, every confrontation with the religious leaders, every conversation with His disciples all had an urgent overlay, things unravelling uncontrollably towards an inevitable conclusion.
Maybe you feel things are unravelling uncontrollably too? Jesus is with you amid everything and cares so much. He is our constant refuge and ever-present help. But He also wants to open our eyes to the glory that He will bring about in our lives, even in times of pain and distress. He will strengthen us with gifts of love and compassion, just as He Himself was strengthened. In Matthew 26 we catch a glimpse of something beautiful, Jesus being deeply comforted shortly before the agony of His death. A woman broke into the circle around Him and in an act of passionate love, poured perfume upon His head. Somehow, she had understood what was happening, where His closest friends seemed blind, and in her love and sorrow did something very special. Jesus said of her ‘She has done a beautiful thing for me and whenever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.’
It was Jesus’ love for her that birthed her own love response. Let’s keep our hearts open to the glimpses of love that come our way so that we, like Jesus, can be strengthened even as we face great challenges.
Let’s also allow the amazing gift of God’s love and the wonder of His resurrection to touch our hearts afresh. Can we like that woman pouring out her perfume, bring a glimpse of light and hope to someone in need? Can we show care with deep understanding and compassion just as she did to Jesus? Can we pour out our love to Him in heartfelt worship and gratitude for His incredible sacrifice and gift of love?
Prayer: Oh Jesus, please forgive me for every way I’ve diminished Easter and turned away from the reality of all you went through for me, on the cross. Thank you that it was my sin and brokenness you carried there. Thank you for your amazing victory over Satan. Through your resurrection you’ve set me free. I love you with all my heart and worship you for your amazing love for me. You are awesome Lord and I long to live my life for you. Amen
