Holy Week: 7 Sayings of Christ with B.C. 2001
/It was such a serendipitous delight to find this clipping in my file a few years ago. So I can't help but share it year by year.
Would you meditate along with me ... and revisit Christ's seven sayings for the Cross this holy week? [See links below] It's truly "holy ground" as we reflect on the Cross, what our Lord went through, but mainly, what He accomplished there. What a perfect preparation for the joy, freedom, and release of the Resurrection.
A few years ago, I came across an inspiring cartoon in my "Easter" file (See enlarged image below). I think my husband John, who had been the family reader of the Sunday funnies in years gone by, cut it out and gave it to me back in April 2001. So there in my file, this little treasure has been tucked away for all these years.
For those of you who have been following the Lenten Meditations on a branch in the Vine, this piece serves as a fitting climax during Holy Week.
There's an interesting story behind this controversial cartoon. Apparently for Easter 2001, cartoonist Johnny Hart wanted to do something special. He stated,
I noticed one day that the center section of the Menorah -- the sacred symbol of Judaism, bore the shape of the cross. I wanted everyone to see the cross in the Menorah. It was a revelation to me, that tied God's chosen people to their spiritual next of kin -- the disciples of the Risen Christ. http://www.hollywoodjesus.com/BCcomics_easter.htm
This year as I reflected on the final amazing image of the cartoon, I couldn't help but think what an arresting contrast the Menorah as the cross and the communion cup in the empty tomb represent: the movement from the condemnation and death under the Old Covenant to the forgiveness and life under the New Covenant. Think about it!
And then peer deeply into the empty tomb, and remember HIM!
Behold the Lamb (Communion Song)
Behold the Lamb who bears our sins away,
Slain for us - and we remember
The promise made that all who come in faith
Find forgiveness at the cross.
So we share in this bread of life,
And we drink of His sacrifice
As a sign of our bonds of peace
Around the table of the King.
The body of our Saviour Jesus Christ,
Torn for you - eat and remember
The wounds that heal, the death that brings us life
Paid the price to make us one.
So we share in this bread of life,
And we drink of His sacrifice
As a sign of our bonds of love
Around the table of the King.
The blood that cleanses every stain of sin,
Shed for you - drink and remember
He drained death's cup that all may enter in
To receive the life of God.
So we share in this bread of life,
And we drink of His sacrifice
As a sign of our bonds of grace
Around the table of the King.
And so with thankfulness and faith we rise
To respond, - and to remember
Our call to follow in the steps of Christ
As His body here on earth.
As we share in His suffering
We proclaim Christ will come again!
And we’ll join in the feast of heaven
Around the table of the King
Words and Music by Keith and Kristyn Getty & Stuart Townend
Devotions for Holy Week:
Perhaps for the days of Holy Week, you would like to meditate on Christ's sayings one by one. Here is a summary of the links from our Lenten Meditations at A Branch in the Vine.
Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing. Luke 23:34 -- a Word of Forgiveness
I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise. Luke 23:43 -- a Word of Salvation
Dear woman, here is your son...Here is your mother. John 19:26-27 -- a Word of Family Affection
My God, my God, why have you forsaken Me? Matthew 27:46 -- a Word of Abandonment
I am thirsty. John 19:28 -- a Word of Personal Need
It is finished! John 19:30 -- a Word of Completion
Father, into your hands I commit My spirit. Luke 23:46 -- a Word of Reunion