Meditation 4: Wednesday of Holy Week
Many, if not most of us, have seen the movie The Passion of the Christ. When I first viewed this film I did so with my defenses up. There were plenty of warnings ahead of time telling those of us who were to view the film that it was extremely graphic to the point of disturbing. Nonetheless, The Passion was moving and powerful. The committed follower of Christ was routinely moved to tears throughout the film and left in stunned silence.
What I found most moving about the film was not the more gruesome scenes. As I walked into the theatre I steeled myself against their effect. I braced myself for their impact. Instead I was moved tremendously by the more subtle scenes which ambushed me. Scenes such as Jesus' trembling hand in the garden, the moment when he tells Peter, James and John that he, "didn't want the others to see him like this" (overwhelmed with emotion and dread), and Jesus moment of singular strength when he steps on the serpent's head. This act of strength was, for me, the highlight of the movie.
"The sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue,
to know the word that sustains the weary.
He wakens my morning by morning.
He wakens my ear to listen like the one being taught.
The sovereign Lord has opened my ears,
and I have not been rebellious;
I have not drawn back.
I offered my back to those who beat me,
my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard;
I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting.
Because the sovereign Lord helps me,
I will not be disgraced.
Therefore have I set my face like flint,
and I know I will not be put to shame.
This week is a good time to meditate upon Christ's humanity and vulnerability. Scripture teaches us that Jesus was human and being human, he experienced all the vulnerabilities of human existence and did so without sinning. It is good to be reminded that during his time in the garden Jesus was so vexed that he made a statement such as this: "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death." Jesus humanity is a necessary part of our hope.
However, let's take this middle day of the week to think about another part of Jesus that was revealed during this experience, his strength. In the most difficult moments of his life Jesus displays remarkable power, peace and strength. Although The Passionis a dramatic representation, the image of Jesus weeping and trembling one moment and stomping on the head of the serpent in the next, captures the power of Jesus' commitment to his mission. It gives us a picture of the deep and abiding spiritual strength that was at his disposal. It was a result of his close communion with the Heavenly Father.
Look at some of these words that describe Jesus' strength:
When asked by Pilate if he was the King of the Jews, Jesus replied: "Is that your own idea? Or did others talk to you about me?" - John 18:34
Again, Jesus describes who is really in control when he says, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above."
And finally, Jesus reiterates what his Kingdom is really like: "My kingdom is not of this world, If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place."
Jesus as a strong savior. Let us remember his vulnerability. Let us pay close attention to his complete humanity. However, we dare not fall into the trap of picturing him as a 98lb. weakling, wracked with indecision and uncertain of who he was or what he was supposed to do. He was not confused about his identity nor did he play the victim when he was crucified. Instead, he willing allowed the sacrifice of his own life.
the question
How does Christ's strength empower you for the work that God has called you to in your life? How does his singleness of purpose impact your understanding of who he was and who he is today?
the prayer
Almighty God: You gave your Son to be our strong leader. As he entered Jerusalem, may we enter our world to follow him, obeying you and trusting your power willing to suffer or die. Let us take as our example this the strength of heart and clarity of purpose which Jesus possessed in the garden that we might follow him more closey. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
the psalm (but actually from Isaiah 50:10)
Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the word of his servant?
Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord
and rely upon his God.
What I found most moving about the film was not the more gruesome scenes. As I walked into the theatre I steeled myself against their effect. I braced myself for their impact. Instead I was moved tremendously by the more subtle scenes which ambushed me. Scenes such as Jesus' trembling hand in the garden, the moment when he tells Peter, James and John that he, "didn't want the others to see him like this" (overwhelmed with emotion and dread), and Jesus moment of singular strength when he steps on the serpent's head. This act of strength was, for me, the highlight of the movie.
"The sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue,
to know the word that sustains the weary.
He wakens my morning by morning.
He wakens my ear to listen like the one being taught.
The sovereign Lord has opened my ears,
and I have not been rebellious;
I have not drawn back.
I offered my back to those who beat me,
my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard;
I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting.
Because the sovereign Lord helps me,
I will not be disgraced.
Therefore have I set my face like flint,
and I know I will not be put to shame.
This week is a good time to meditate upon Christ's humanity and vulnerability. Scripture teaches us that Jesus was human and being human, he experienced all the vulnerabilities of human existence and did so without sinning. It is good to be reminded that during his time in the garden Jesus was so vexed that he made a statement such as this: "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death." Jesus humanity is a necessary part of our hope.
However, let's take this middle day of the week to think about another part of Jesus that was revealed during this experience, his strength. In the most difficult moments of his life Jesus displays remarkable power, peace and strength. Although The Passionis a dramatic representation, the image of Jesus weeping and trembling one moment and stomping on the head of the serpent in the next, captures the power of Jesus' commitment to his mission. It gives us a picture of the deep and abiding spiritual strength that was at his disposal. It was a result of his close communion with the Heavenly Father.
Look at some of these words that describe Jesus' strength:
When asked by Pilate if he was the King of the Jews, Jesus replied: "Is that your own idea? Or did others talk to you about me?" - John 18:34
Again, Jesus describes who is really in control when he says, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above."
And finally, Jesus reiterates what his Kingdom is really like: "My kingdom is not of this world, If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place."
Jesus as a strong savior. Let us remember his vulnerability. Let us pay close attention to his complete humanity. However, we dare not fall into the trap of picturing him as a 98lb. weakling, wracked with indecision and uncertain of who he was or what he was supposed to do. He was not confused about his identity nor did he play the victim when he was crucified. Instead, he willing allowed the sacrifice of his own life.
the question
How does Christ's strength empower you for the work that God has called you to in your life? How does his singleness of purpose impact your understanding of who he was and who he is today?
the prayer
Almighty God: You gave your Son to be our strong leader. As he entered Jerusalem, may we enter our world to follow him, obeying you and trusting your power willing to suffer or die. Let us take as our example this the strength of heart and clarity of purpose which Jesus possessed in the garden that we might follow him more closey. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
the psalm (but actually from Isaiah 50:10)
Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the word of his servant?
Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord
and rely upon his God.
posted by The Wheatland Mission @ 9:16 PM
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