Events of Jesus’ Final Week…
Thursday & Friday AD 33
I felt it important to share with my close friends what has happened in these past days. It troubles me to report the events that have unfolded. Thursday evening we reclined at the passover table as is customary. Later that evening, as we were in prayer in the garden East of the city, soldiers arrested the Master. He put up no fight. We couldn’t believe it had happened. But as we followed at a distance, we overheard the religious leaders conspiring lies against Jesus. After hours of trials and false accusations, it was determined they should flog the Master. A possible release was discussed but the crowd was controlled by the lies of the religious elite, and orders to execute Jesus were given. We couldn’t believe our ears! Our Jesus was walked by us… His face was so swollen we could hardly recognize Him. His eyes looked tired as one who had been on a long journey, yet there was a solid determination also present. He seemed broken but not fragile. It was early Friday morning.
The cross bar of His cross was fixed but the weight was too much, so another man was selected to carry it. As He traveled through the city streets, people mocked the Master and shouted at Him. At about 9am, just outside the city gates on the side of a hill where executions were held, they nailed Him to the cross. Each time the hammer fell, cries could be heard from the crowd. It all seemed very unreal. I longed to wake and discover it was all a horrible dream.
At about noon, something happened that none of us could explain. The sky grew dark…we heard voices. It seemed as if the Master was speaking with His Father, however, we couldn’t make out the conversation. It was as if we weren’t allowed to see or hear. Then the Master cried with a loud voice and breathed His last. About that time, thunder sounded so loud that it dazed us and rocks split at the sound!
Just moments ago, they took His body down from the cross. Ever since, we have sat in stunned silence. Jesus is dead
April 22, 2011