This week we focus our attention on something that happened 2000 years ago – something that changed the world forever. We remember the last week of Jesus’ earthly life. A few days before, Jesus had set His face toward Jerusalem. While His disciples were unclear on the purpose of this trip up to the Holy City, Jesus knew full-well what would take place. Even knowing what He would endure did not deter Him from His mission.
The stage was set as Jesus entered the temple and ran the merchants out. Tempers of the religious leaders grew more acute as Jesus called into question their actions. The cross was the eminent milestone and it was visible to Jesus now. His ministry was culminating in this looming event.
Each year, I seek to remind that as believers in Jesus, as recipients of His grace and salvation, we celebrate the fact that the tomb is empty. That truth is the foundation of Easter. But the empty tomb would not be a possibility apart from a gruesome cross. And the cross would just be a hideous tool of torture and execution if it were not for the empty tomb. But praise be to our Father in heaven who offers us life through Jesus’ death on the cross and His resurrection to life!
As we move toward Sunday and the celebration that Jesus is truly alive, do not rush to the empty tomb without lingering at the cross. Take time this week to think about the agony and pain that Jesus experienced as the ultimate sacrifice for you and all of humanity. Jesus sacrificed all so that any who believed could live.
Take time today to consider His sacrifice.
Clay in the Hands 
Leave a comment