Sunday, March 23, 2008
More Easter Musings
Happy Easter!
On Good Friday we had a wonderful experience at church through interactive stations that they set up. Each station had something that you had to DO in order to experience Christ and make it real to you. For example one section had a 100 pound cross hanging from the ceiling (with its base on the floor). I stood under it to feel the weight that Jesus carried. Wow. The next section reminded us that Jesus was hung with criminals on either side.
Luke 39One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!" 40But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? 41We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong." 42Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.[f]" 43Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."
What struck me was that even when Jesus was dying and in great pain he was able to have such compassion on others...and not just others but a criminal! So often I make excuses for my behavior. “Sorry but it is only about me today...I have a canker sore or I have a bad cold or PMS.” What about being beaten and exhausted? Your friends just abandoned you and denied that they even knew you? Oh yeah, that would definitely justify a lot for me! I can just see it “OK, people, can’t I just have a moment here? Can’t you see I am dying here? And I don’t even deserve to be here! And did you see how they beat me? And they put that crown on my to mock me. And did you hear about my best buddy Peter denying me? And you want me to remember you? Please.”
