a New Hope
Following the events leading to the death and resurrection of our Savior often holds a somber air we often overlook, skipping the torture and grief so we can rush forward to Sunday and proclaim that He is risen—but it’s just a piece of the story. Just a piece of the devastatingly beautiful, sacrificial love that Jesus shows us. In grief, in sorrow… and highlighted with an undeniable flame of hope that sparked to life. Maundy Thursday leads this thought process deeper as events unfold and the love of Jesus becomes clear as He puts forth a new covenant, and then utterly humbles himself and washes the disciple’s feet. We cannot help but wonder how Jesus felt in those moments, breaking bread like His body would, setting forth wine that sealed a covenant where the price to pay for His beloved Bride was His life. Did his thoughts race faster than His heart? Did He cling to hope in the face of His sacrifice as He said, “You don’t understand what I do now, but you will.”
It’s hard to understand the sorrow. The ache of loss in life. The devastation of seeing a completely different outcome. The desolation that comes from hope deferred. What victory can we know when pain steals the air from our lungs?
We couldn’t have understood what He was doing then, but we do now. Devastation and sorrow gave way to hope and joy. Freshly washed feet in the process of mourning turned into a joyous race across the countryside to proclaim our risen King.
Each day leading to the crucifixion is laid with deep emotion. Jesus showed righteous anger. Grieved. Trembled under the weight of what was to come. Still, hope and love were woven together, coexisting and highlighting the utter humanity and complete holiness of the Son of God. To know the utter joy of the victory come Sunday, we must also know the sorrow and grief to come. How can we understand the totality of the covenant Jesus made at the last supper if we do not sit with the entirety of His actions?
As you walk through your day, we want to encourage you not to skip the grief—in the process of Jesus’ sacrifice and in your own life. Don't back away from the discomfort of sorrow. Don’t skim the words of Jesus’ final days and miss the fullness of hope and victory we celebrate.
Take heart, and remember that we can grieve loss even when we know the victory to come. Don’t run from hope just because circumstances look as if all is lost.
Our greatest hope—Jesus Christ—is near.
The resurrection is coming.
