The Golgotha Altar…..the crucifixion site.
Today we celebrate Good Friday….a ‘good’ Friday for us, but it was not so ‘good’ of a Friday for Christ. Sometimes I don’t think the magnitude of what Jesus did for us really sinks in.
About fourteen years ago I was able to take a tour of Jerusalem, Israel. I was deployed with the military and we had stopped in Haifa, Israel; I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to tour Jerusalem.
In the past couple of months I have done more studying on the significance of this week than ever before, in preparation for a sermon on Palm Sunday and one last night; Holy Thursday or Maundy Thursday. It really made me think back on this trip many years ago, being just a babe in Christ then.
the city of Jerusalem in the background….it was hot!
Last night we celebrated Communion as Christ did with his disciples. But the gospel of John recorded that Jesus also washed the feet of his disciples (John 13). The one thing I remembered from my trip was that it was hot and dusty. Back then they wore sandals everywhere so foot washing was normal. But it was considered a menial task and one only the lowliest of slaves did. But Jesus, the ultimate servant, did it. Showing us that we are supposed to serve each other with humility. Like Rick Warren says, “humility is no thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less”.
The Church of the Holy Sepulcher…
I guess I am in somewhat of a reflective mood at the moment. Because sometimes I don’t think watching the Passion movies and reading about the crucifixion really causes the magnitude of the price paid for our sins to sink in. I really think reflecting on what that personally means for each of us is what is most humbling.
It’s not just watching it unfold on the screen, but personally knowing that it’s my addiction on that cross, my lies on the cross, my fornication on the cross, my abortion on the cross, my hatred on the cross, my unforgiveness on the cross etc….and He paid it all! What does the cross mean to you?
May each of you have a wonderful celebration on Resurrection Sunday.
Blessings always
JC
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Jennifer
April 18, 2014 at 2:02 pm
What an incredible opportunity! I’ve traveled outside this country only a few times. No offense directed at my neighbors to the north or the islands in the Caribbean, but I want to visit Israel so very much. I can only imagine…and look at a whole lot of pictures.
I agree that some of the movies and music can be helpful in creating a mood, but our hearts are deeply moved by the Spirit in quiet moments and realizing it’s our sin that He died for. My hand may as well have swung the hammer.
Thank you for sharing!
JC
April 20, 2014 at 12:05 pm
True…my hand as well. Have a blessed one.
JC
writeshianwrite
April 18, 2014 at 10:37 pm
Thank you Jesus for what you did for us… Thanks JC and the Holy Spirit. Love this post. I needed to read this. God is good.
JC
April 20, 2014 at 12:06 pm
Amen my beautiful friend. God is indeed good, glad it blessed you 😉
Blessings
JC
mihrank
August 12, 2014 at 3:47 pm
wow – You had a great visit to the old city in Jerusalem and visited one of the holiest Christian churches the Holy Sepulcher church. I am originally from Jerusalem and I was touched reading this blog and your trip to Israel. Just Impressive!