Enduring The Cross
In the midst of Holy Week I'm aware that the moments that seem the darkest can be a threshold of resurrection life.
Jesus has been walking toward the cross his entire ministry, and yet this week--it's real for Him.
He's betrayed, and yet He continues.
He's abandoned, and yet He stays connected.
He's in agony, and yet He obeys.
He's accused, and yet He's quiet.
He's flogged and mocked, and yet He keeps peace.
He's crucified, and yet He forgives.
He's dying, and still, He surrenders.
What a profound paradox of human experience and God-ward responses.
What familiar territory in our broken world, and yet who could endure suffering as Jesus did?
“In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him” Heb 5:7-9.
Do our hearts realize what it cost Him to save us?
Do we really understand what it felt like for Him to "endure the cross, despising the shame"? (Heb 12:2)
Is it important for us to know Him like this?
Well in order to celebrate most profoundly His resurrection this Sunday, we actually have two powerful experiences for you this week to participate in the gift of Jesus' suffering.
Journey with Jesus to the Cross - Open today 9am-4:30pm: Since Wednesday, our Sanctuary has been open, with soft music, video, and thirteen experiential stations for you to prayerfully engage with Jesus' most personal moments on His way Toward the Cross. This is a significant way to reconnect with Him, and it also will help to heal and process areas of grief, struggle, pain, and dissonance that you're carrying too. "Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows" Isa 53:4.
Good Friday Service- Today, 4:30-5:30pm: Our Good Friday service has been reading a harmony of the crucifixion accounts, read by our church family, together, and welcoming our Westside community, too. It has been so meaningful and profound especially when bookended with Journey with Jesus to the Cross (stations of the cross).
Whether you come to these events or not, remember, Jesus cares deeply for you, so much that He intentionally went Toward the Cross for you, not just on Easter, but so He could have you in His arms forever.
"Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God" Heb. 12:2.
And remember to come on Easter Sunday and bring family, friends and neighbors to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus--the whole story of our faith!
We'll conclude our Toward the Cross series with a sermon titled "Victorious - He Saves Me" and watch the mysterious and powerful moves of Jesus post-resurrection, as He pursues in personal ways those He's calling to Himself.
And don't forget, there's a family Easter Egg hunt and reception afterward! Everyone is welcome!
May we know Him who "does more than we ask or imagine!" Eph. 3:20.
Pastor Dave