Reflections on the Resurrection 2024

Looking back over 2000+ years, our hearts recall the events that brought Jesus to Calvary and his crucifixion.  At our Ladies' Bible Study on Thursday, we observed and rejoiced in the Passover dinner, just like Jesus and his disciples.  I am a co-teacher for this Bible study, and it was my turn to teach on Maundy Thursday.  I delved into the scriptures describing the Last Supper and studied resources to learn more about traditional Passover meals. With this information, I shared it with our women's group. It's incredible to witness how Jesus fulfilled the annual Passover Meal celebrations that symbolized Him! 

Due to my role in leading the service, I couldn't take many photos. However, I did capture a picture of us washing each other's hands, inspired by Jesus washing his disciples' feet.  

Reflecting on the immense love Jesus displayed at Calvary is beneficial.  During my Thursday Bible study and Passover celebration, I couldn't help but think about Jesus' act of washing the feet of His disciples, even knowing that Judas would betray Him. While Jesus washed his feet, Judas could have asked for forgiveness, and I can't help but wonder if Jesus searched Judas's eyes, hoping to find some regret for his upcoming betrayal. The love Jesus gave to the disciples still has a powerful impact on us today, His great act of sacrificial love to serve those who would soon deny, betray, and run from Him. 

So as I have pondered these things this week, I wanted to share this with you - that the darkness of Thursday night, Friday the day of his death, and Saturday the day of his burial still weigh heavy on our hearts today - but how thankful we are that He did not stay in the grave, but He arose, and He lives forevermore on Resurrection Sunday. 

I pray that you and your family enjoy a special time together this Resurrection Sunday, as we celebrate and remember all that Jesus accomplished for us at Calvary! 

Isaiah 53
1Who hath believed our report? 

and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?
2For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.
3He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
4Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
5But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; 

and with his stripes we are healed.
6All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
7He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.
8He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.
9And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, 

neither was any deceit in his mouth.
10Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, 

and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.
11He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; 

for he shall bear their iniquities.
12Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

As we remember Jesus, and the price He paid at Calvary, we know that He fulfilled every one of these prophecies from the Prophet Isaiah approximately 700 years before Jesus Christ was born. How could this be? Only God knew how to speak to Isaiah and foretell the events that would take place at Calvary. If you don't know who Jesus is today, and if He is not your Lord and Savior, read Isaiah 53 for yourself, and consider how remarkable this is, that the death of a man was foretold 700 years before it happened, down to minute details. Our calendar today is based on the death of Jesus - His death changed the world forever.  I pray this Resurrection Sunday that you would experience His love, joy and peace that comes to each of us. May the rich blessings of the Lord be with you in this season of remembering our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! 

Here is a recent video that I have made that I hope you will enjoy this Resurrection Sunday season!