Wait for it…it’s not Easter yet!

Today is Holy Saturday, not Easter Saturday. Easter starts with the resurrection of Jesus when darkness is turned to light. In stillness, earth awaits the resurrection.

Psalm 22 is a poignant and emotive psalm attributed to King David and often considered one of the Messianic Psalms, with Christian interpreters seeing in it prophetic references to the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

The psalm begins with a cry of anguish, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” These words are familiar to Christians as they are echoed by Jesus on the cross in the New Testament. The psalmist expresses feelings of abandonment and distress, yet also maintains trust in God’s faithfulness.

Throughout the psalm, there’s a vivid description of the psalmist’s suffering, with imagery of being surrounded by enemies, mocked and scorned by onlookers, and physically afflicted. Despite the intense suffering described, the psalmist clings to the hope of God’s deliverance, expressing confidence in God’s power to save.

The psalm shifts towards praise and thanksgiving as the psalmist anticipates God’s response to their cries. There’s a sense of victory and vindication as the psalmist declares that God hasn’t despised or scorned their affliction, but rather hears their cries and responds with deliverance.

In the final verses, the psalmist calls on future generations to praise God for His faithfulness and deliverance. They envision a time when all nations will worship and acknowledge God’s sovereignty.

Interpretations of Psalm 22 vary across religious traditions. For Christians, the psalm is often seen as foreshadowing the suffering and death of Jesus Christ, with many phrases and images in the psalm being seen as directly fulfilled in the events of Christ’s crucifixion. In Jewish tradition, Psalm 22 is recited during times of distress and is seen as a prayer for deliverance and redemption.

Overall, Psalm 22 is a powerful expression of faith in the midst of suffering, highlighting the tension between feelings of abandonment and trust in God’s faithfulness. It serves as a reminder that even in the darkest moments, God is present and working towards redemption and deliverance.

On this Good Friday we’re reminded that Christ spoke the first words of this psalm, and possible recited it all, on the Cross. It starts with darkness and despair, yet ends in light and hope. In abandonment and death we look forward to companionship and new life on Easter Sunday.

John 13:1-17 is a profound passage that depicts Jesus’ final meal with his disciples before his crucifixion. It’s the beginning of the ‘Farewell Discourse’ in John’s Gospel, where Jesus prepares his followers for his impending departure.

The scene is set during the Passover Feast. Jesus, fully aware of his divine authority and the events about to unfold, chooses to perform a humble act of service: He washes his disciples’ feet. This was a task typically reserved for the lowest servant, yet here the Master kneels before his followers. It’s a powerful act of love and a reversal of social norms.

When Peter resists, Jesus insists, explaining that the washing is necessary for Peter to share in Jesus’ life and mission. After completing the task, Jesus returns to his place and addresses his disciples. He explains that he’s set an example for them. Just as he, their Lord and Teacher, has washed their feet, so they should wash one another’s feet. It’s a lesson in humility and service, emphasising that leadership in the Kingdom of God is marked not by dominance, but by loving service.

The passage also touches on themes of cleanliness and preparation. While the physical act of washing is symbolic, it points to the spiritual cleansing necessary for fellowship with Christ. Jesus’ actions prefigure his ultimate service and sacrifice on the cross, where he will offer himself for the cleansing of humankind’s sin.

On this Maundy Thursday, we’re called to emulate Jesus’ humility and servanthood, transforming our lives, relationships, and attitudes towards others.

It’s exciting to be in a crowd, but it can also be very frightening. The mood of a crowd can rapidly change, the dynamic of the mob can quickly take over. Who knows what the crowd will do next, especially if its expectations are not met?

The crowds surrounding Jesus as he rode into Jerusalem were no different. The emotions and excitement were reaching fever pitch, and the conditions were right for the whole thing to turn nasty.

You can read the story of the first Palm Sunday in Luke 19:28-44.

There would have been thousands of hot, excited, sweaty people all wanting to see Jesus; all wanting to know who he was, all wanting to see what he would do.

Jesus approaches and enters Jerusalem in the full knowledge that both the religious and political leaders were feeling threatened by his teaching and ministry, and that the crowd could easily turn if he didn’t fulfil their expectations and hopes.

The first Palm Sunday was a dramatic and hugely significant day in the life and ministry of Jesus. Prior to this, Jesus had resolutely set his face towards Jerusalem, to very publicly announce the coming of his kingdom.

He carefully chose a time when the people would be gathered in Jerusalem, and he chose a way of proclaiming his kingdom that was unmistakable.

But, as Jesus approached Jerusalem, he wept over it:
If you, even you, had only recognised on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.

These weren’t the words of a human king, but rather the words of divine Saviour whose heart broke because of the spiritual and moral blindness of the people. He’d come to bring true peace, but they didn’t want it.

The crowd in Jerusalem thought they understood as they cheered, shouted, waved, and threw palm branches, but completely misunderstood Jesus’ identity.

They were full of nationalistic fervour and failed to recognise the true nature of Jesus’ kingship. Palms had been a symbol of Jewish nationalism from the time of the Maccabees and appeared on Jewish coins during their revolutionary struggle against the Romans, and now they were oppressed by them.

Jesus showed the people his true identity by riding on a donkey; a sign, according to the Old Testament, of the Messiah coming in peace. The people expected the Messiah to bring victory by force, but Jesus came to conquer by the Cross. The way of Jesus is not one of hatred, force or violence, rather it’s the way of sacrificial love.

The praise and adulation of the crowd was not the glory Jesus wanted, his glory was to come through self-sacrifice and suffering.

On this Palm Sunday, may we make our own decision to set our face towards Jerusalem; resolving to go God’s way, despite the expectations of the crowds, and live like Jesus.

Following on from last Sunday we again turn to John’s Gospel, to a passage that captures a pivotal moment in the life of Jesus, where the narrative shifts towards his impending crucifixion. John 12:20-33 (click on link) is rich with symbolism and theological significance, marking the beginning of the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry.

The passage begins with some Greeks, most likely Jewish diaspora, expressing their desire to see Jesus during the Passover festival. Their request is significant as it symbolises the reach of Jesus’ message beyond the Jewish community to the wider world. This event triggers Jesus to declare that “the hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified” (John 12:23), indicating his awareness of the approaching sacrifice he’s about to make.

Jesus uses the metaphor of a grain of wheat to explain the necessity of his death; unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains a single seed, but if it dies, it produces many seeds (John 12:24). This analogy illustrates the paradoxical nature of life and death in the Christian faith, where through death comes greater life and fruitfulness.

He then speaks of the cost of discipleship, urging his followers to love their life less than their devotion to him, promising that those who serve him must follow him, and in doing so, the Father (John 12:25-26) will honour them. This teaching emphasises the idea of self-denial and the pursuit of eternal life over temporary worldly pleasures.

As Jesus contemplates his death, he admits to being troubled, but resolves that it’s for this purpose he’s come to this hour. He refuses to ask for deliverance from this hour, instead, he calls on God’s name to be glorified, to which a voice from heaven responds, affirming that it’s been glorified and will be glorified again (John 12:27-28). This divine interaction serves as a testament to Jesus’ obedience to God’s will and the divine plan of salvation.

Jesus explains that his crucifixion will serve as judgement on this world and will drive out Satan, the ruler of this world (John 12:31). He also prophesies that when he’s lifted up from the earth, he will draw all people to himself (John 12:32), alluding to his death on the cross and the universal salvation it offers.

The passage concludes with the crowd questioning Jesus about his statements, as they understood from Scripture that the Christ would remain forever. Jesus responds by urging them to walk in the light while they have it, to avoid being overtaken by darkness (John 12:34-36). This final exhortation serves as a call to faith and a warning of the consequences of rejecting the light, namely Jesus himself.

In summary, John 12:20-33 presents a profound theological discourse that sets the stage for the passion narrative. It highlights the global scope of Jesus’ mission, the sacrificial nature of his death, the call to discipleship, and the cosmic implications of the crucifixion. It’s a cornerstone for understanding the depth of Jesus’ teachings and the redemptive purpose of his death. May we seek to understand this better for ourselves, especially as we approach Palm Sunday and Holy Week.

On the first three Sundays of Lent, we’ve been considering some noteworthy events in the life of Jesus. This Sunday we turn to John 3:14-21 which contains some of the most well-known verses in Christian theology, particularly regarding the concept of salvation and God’s love for humankind

In this passage, Jesus makes a reference to an incident from the Old Testament, specifically to when Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness. This event is recorded in Numbers 21:4-9, where the Israelites, plagued by venomous snakes, were instructed to look upon a bronze serpent raised on a pole by Moses, and those who looked upon it were saved from death. Jesus uses this historical event as an analogy for his own impending crucifixion. Just as the bronze serpent was lifted to save those who looked upon it, Jesus would be lifted on the cross to bring salvation to all who believe in him.

Verse 16 contains one the most famous and profound statement in the entire Bible: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. This verse encapsulates the essence of Christian faith, God’s immense love for humankind and his sacrificial gift of Jesus Christ to provide salvation and eternal life to those who believe in him.

The subsequent verses emphasise the purpose of Jesus’ coming into the world; not to condemn it, but to save it. However, it also highlights the human response to Jesus’ message; those who believe in him are not condemned, but those who do not believe stand condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.

The passage contrasts light and darkness, righteousness, and sin. Jesus is depicted as the light that has come into the world, but some people prefer darkness because their deeds are evil. This reflects the ongoing spiritual battle between good and evil, belief and unbelief, which is a recurring theme throughout the Gospel of John.

Furthermore, the passage stresses the importance of faith and belief in Jesus Christ as the Son of God. Belief in Jesus is not merely acknowledging his existence or his teachings but involves a deep, personal trust and surrender to him as Lord and Saviour. Those who believe in him are granted eternal life, while those who reject him face judgment.

Overall, John 3:14-21 presents a powerful message about God’s love, the purpose of Jesus’ incarnation, the necessity of faith, and the consequences of unbelief. It’s a foundational passage for Christian theology, encapsulating the core principles of salvation and redemption through Jesus Christ. The passage continues to inspire and challenge us to live lives of faith and obedience to the teachings of Jesus.

In John 2:13-22, often referred to as the Cleansing of the Temple, Jesus enters the Temple in Jerusalem during the Passover feast and finds it filled with merchants selling animals for sacrifices and money changers exchanging currency. Seeing this commercial activity within the sacred space, Jesus becomes outraged, overturning the tables and driving out the sellers, declaring, “Take these things away; do not make my Father’s house a house of trade” (John 2:16).

This event serves as a powerful demonstration of Jesus’ authority and zeal for the sanctity of worship. By cleansing the temple, Jesus symbolically purges the corruption that had infiltrated the religious establishment. He challenges the exploitation of religious practices for profit and reaffirms the importance of reverence and purity in approaching God.

The reaction of the religious leaders is mixed. Some question Jesus, asking for a sign to justify his actions, while others, recognising the prophetic significance of his actions, demand an explanation for his authority. Jesus responds cryptically, saying, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up” (John 2:19). Unaware that he speaks of his own Resurrection, they misunderstand his words, thinking he was referring to the physical temple.

This passage foreshadows Jesus’ ultimate mission and the significance of his Death and Resurrection. The Temple, a central symbol of Jewish worship and identity, becomes a metaphor for Jesus himself. Through his Death and Resurrection, Jesus inaugurates a New Covenant and becomes the ultimate place of encounter with God.

This incident demonstrates Jesus’ passionate response to the desecration of the Temple, highlighting his authority and commitment to true worship. It also lays the groundwork for understanding the deeper spiritual significance of his sacrificial Death and Resurrection.

As you reflect on this passage, what would Jesus be angry about today? What gets in the way of people approaching God in reverence and purity today?

On this Second Sunday of Lent, we consider the moment when Jesus initiated a profound shift in his ministry by speaking openly to the disciples about his impending suffering, death, and resurrection. This moment set the stage for the climax of his earthly mission and underscored the sacrificial nature of his purpose on earth. See Mark 8:31-38 (click on link).

By foretelling his fate, Jesus demonstrated his awareness of God’s plan for redemption and the necessity of his sacrificial death to fulfil that plan.

When Peter reacts with disbelief and attempts to dissuade Jesus from such a fate, Jesus rebukes him sternly, recognising that Peter’s perspective aligns more with human concerns than divine purposes. This might seem harsh, and we can only begin to think how Peter must have felt, but embracing God’s will often contradicts human expectations or desires.

Jesus then extends an invitation to discipleship that emphasises the radical nature of following him. He teaches that true discipleship involves self-denial, taking up one’s cross, and following him faithfully. This call to discipleship requires a willingness to prioritise loyalty to Jesus more than anything else, even if it means enduring suffering, persecution, or martyrdom.

Gaining worldly success or acclaim is ultimately meaningless if it comes at the expense of one’s soul.

As we continue our journey through Lent, Mark 8:31-38 challenges us to count the cost of discipleship and to wholeheartedly commit ourselves to following Jesus, even in the face of adversity. This calls for a radical reorientation of our priorities towards a life of self-sacrifice and devotion to God’s Kingdom.

Let’s use this opportunity to reflect on the central tenets of discipleship: embracing suffering, prioritising God’s will, and forsaking worldly comforts for the sake of eternal salvation.