As I have been reading the Easter accounts again, I have tried to place myself into the shoes of some of the key players and to imagine what impact the events of that brutal Roman crucifixion and the resurrection of Jesus would have on their lives. What would they do next? Would the resurrection transform their lives? Would they be changed?
Some of the transformations we know about. Judas Iscariot with his shame, horror, and dreadful betrayal and death. Mary Magdalene, John and Peter who were first at the empty tomb. But what of the Roman soldiers gambling for the clothes and tunic of a ‘Jewish criminal? Simon of Cyrene, of North Africa, a strong man, coming home from work, forced to carry the cross for Jesus. A Roman Centurion, at the foot of the cross and standing guard over the brutal proceedings, making his first faith declaration, “This has to be the Son of God!” Two high ranking Jewish officials working together to prepare the body of Jesus for burial. Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Sanhedrin, had risked his position and reputation to publicly identify with a criminal and to request of the Roman Governor, Pilate, that he should take the body of Jesus from the cross and place it for burial in his tomb, having already purchased a linen shroud. Nicodemus, a wealthy, influential Jew, brought the expensive burial spices, myrrh and aloes, with which to anoint the body of Jesus. Working together, Joseph and Nicodemus, risking much, placed the body of Jesus in the cave tomb, without knowing the end of the Jesus story. The lives of each of these men would never be the same again. But how did it change them? Would Nicodemus still be a secret disciple?
Afterward Joseph of Arimathea, who had been a secret disciple of Jesus (because he feared the Jewish leaders), asked Pilate for permission to take down Jesus’ body. When Pilate gave permission, Joseph came and took the body away. With him came Nicodemus, the man who had come to Jesus at night. He brought about seventy-five pounds of perfumed ointment made from myrrh and aloes. Following Jewish burial custom, they wrapped Jesus’ body with the spices in long sheets of linen cloth. The place of crucifixion was near a garden, where there was a new tomb, never used before. John 19 v 38-41 NLT
The group of women, Jesus’s mother, Mary (the wife of Clopas), and others holding their sombre, silent, vigil at the foot of the cross, waiting as they watched for the final breath of their Lord. They did not know that resurrection day was coming. And where were the disciples at this point? Were they in hiding, frightened that they too may be arrested? Were they keeping watch at a distance? What would they be thinking? But resurrection day was coming.
So now I ask myself, how will the resurrection of Jesus impact my life? How has it, how will it change my life, my thinking, my very being? Today, we declare, “It is finished.” “It is paid.” Christ is risen. He is risen indeed. I know that I am loved, I am forgiven, I am redeemed, I am chosen, I am a child of God, and I am special. I am family. Let this be our anthem each day.
In the Isaiah 53 passage it is so clear that the way is now open for others to experience this resurrection day. There will be many, many descendants, who will be counted free and righteous because the price for sin has been paid. It is finished.
But it was the Lord’s good plan to crush Him
and cause Him grief.
Yet when His life is made an offering for sin,
He will have many descendants.
He will enjoy a long life,
and the Lord’s good plan will prosper in His hands.
When He sees all that is accomplished by his anguish,
he will be satisfied.
And because of his experience,
my righteous servant will make it possible
for many to be counted righteous,
for He will bear all their sins.
Isaiah 53 v 10-11 NLT
An Easter Prayer
May this Easter day bring resurrection life to my heart and my home.
May renewal radiate within me and revival emanate through me.
May dawn displace the darkness and spring replace the winter in my life.
May the God of hope so fill me with joy and peace this Easter
that I may overflow with hope by His power and life forever Amen
Pete Greig Lectio 365
A Prayer of willingness to Listen by Rachel Mojo.
So often I come to you with lists and demands.
Like a tornado I spew them out as commands.
To the next task, I move on with my day
Completely missing what you might have to say.
The noise of the world clogs my ears
And clouds my mind with fog and fears.
I need you to clear my senses, O Lord!
Give me a heart in tune with your Word.
May I be ever eager to hear your voice;
May listening continually be my choice.
Jane Coates
April 2025
