Holy Week: 7 Sayings of Christ with B.C. 2001
/I love this post because 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? 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. 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, which corresponds to Passover this year.
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
Take a look at the enlarged version below. 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 rememberThe promise made that all who come in faithFind forgiveness at the cross.
So we share in this bread of life,And we drink of His sacrificeAs a sign of our bonds of peaceAround the table of the King.
The body of our Saviour Jesus Christ,Torn for you - eat and rememberThe wounds that heal, the death that brings us lifePaid the price to make us one.
So we share in this bread of life,And we drink of His sacrificeAs a sign of our bonds of loveAround the table of the King.
The blood that cleanses every stain of sin,Shed for you - drink and rememberHe drained death's cup that all may enter inTo receive the life of God.
So we share in this bread of life,And we drink of His sacrificeAs a sign of our bonds of graceAround the table of the King.
And so with thankfulness and faith we riseTo respond, - and to rememberOur call to follow in the steps of ChristAs His body here on earth.
As we share in His sufferingWe proclaim Christ will come again!And we’ll join in the feast of heavenAround 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
