Devotion:
For an audio version of this devotion, click here.
Read Luke 23:26-56.
Luke is the only Gospel writer who includes Jesus’ comments to the women on his way to be crucified. Earlier in the book, Jesus had spoken of Jerusalem’s role in killing the prophets and later wept over the city. For some reason, verse 31 struck a chord with me this time: “For if people do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?” That statement has been interpreted in various ways. Jesus had predicted the coming destruction of Jerusalem (which happened less than 40 years later). I hear Jesus saying that if people would do this to an innocent man while there was relative peace in Jerusalem, imagine what they will do when there is strife and coming destruction. In our own day and time, people who claim to be followers of Jesus are living their lives and making choices that regularly go against the teaching and way of Jesus. It has me asking the question: If they do these things now, what will they do (or allow to be done) when the strife and tension increases?
As I read the story of Jesus’ crucifixion, and as I reflect on the condition of our nation and world, there is much to lament. And yet, even on the day Jesus was crucified, God was at work in people like Joseph of Arimathea. In our day, even in the midst of the darkness of hate and deception, God invites us to continue in the mission, knowing that with God, there is always hope. It is that trust in the power and plan of God that keeps me moving forward into God’s future.
Personal Worship Option:
On this day between Jesus’ death and resurrection, be reminded that no matter how dark life may get for you or for the whole world, God cannot and will not be defeated. Offer a prayer of thanksgiving for that eternal hope.
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