Jesus Wept

Sometimes I think this is one of the most significant single sentences in the entire New Testament...and clearly one of the most profound events ever to take place. In my past understandings, I have often taken these tears to be primarily representative of Christ’s humanity, but in the liturgical experience of the Church with regard to Lazarus Saturday, it has been made clear to me that much more was going on here. Jesus was doing more than weeping for his friend, he was weeping for us all.

It is an amazing thing to contemplate God weeping over death. The Author of Life, He who knows his power of death and was well on His way to demonstrating it…none-the-less weeps.

It ought to give us great pause whenever we see Christians “celebrate” death as a great release and a freeing of the spirit. No, the REAL release and freeing will begin on Holy Saturday. This last Saturday was a glorious teaser.

The Vanquisher of Death has entered the arena.

Comments

Thomas Ham said…
Amen! I had never heard this view as a "teaser" for this coming weekend until I was at church this weekend. It made me think... A LOT (and finally!)
10:41 AM
Meg said…
You know what I love best about Holy Week? Holy Saturday. In the West, it was such a "nothing" day, but in the East, it's about the most important day, the day when all the work gets done! I always picture Christ showing up in Hades like any other mortal, until He's at Satan's desk, then He leans on it and says, "Hel-lo. Remember Me?" And while Satan howls in agony, Christ goes striding through hades hollering, "Head 'em up and MOVE 'EM OUT!!" starting with Adam and Eve, light glowing radiantly into all the darkest corners, and people gaping at John the Baptist, who's grinning ear to ear saying, "Told you!" Holy Saturday *rocks.*
1:13 PM
Post a Comment

Popular Posts