Jesus Died — From the Bunker Day 28

From the Bunker Day 28

Station of the Cross 11 — Jesus dies on the cross

Station of the cross 12 — Jesus is laid in the tomb

It was an honor to be at Arlington National Cemetery. My father was a career soldier and was being interred in one of the mausoleum. The military funeral was somber. The honor guards moved with slow precision; every movement marked with a scrape and click of the heels. It reminded me of robotic movement but much smoother. The Chaplin read a passage from the Bible and said a prayer. The guns exploded behind us with a sharp crack that made us jump. The lone bugler stood at a distance and played taps, and then, finally, my mother was presented with a United States Flag. There was such a finality to the whole affair. My dad was dead and buried.

There was no honor in Jesus’ death. The soldiers mocked him. His Father ignored him. His earthly family were helpless and powerless to help him. Yet, through it all Jesus was filled with grace. He asked that his Father forgive his captors for their ignorance. He promised the repentant a place in paradise. He was cognizant of his mother and had John take care of her. Then in his final breath he declared his work for mankind finished. He died.

The earth rumbled, the lightening flashed, and the sky poured rain as if the heavens cried. The temple curtain tore and a soldier standing guard saw something different in the way Jesus died. But he died. In order to take on the sins of the world he had to die. In order to conquer death he had to die. In order to identify with us in every way he had to die. He hung on the cross in disgrace and humility and Jesus died. There was no escaping the inevitable, and he died.

Now what? Everyone had scattered but a handful of followers and his mother. There was Joseph of Arimathea who wanted to believe that Jesus was the Messiah. He offered his tomb. A hand cut family resting place. But there was little time; it was the sabbath. They hurriedly took Jesus’ body down and wrapped him in cloth. The guards rushed Jesus’ followers out of the way as they sealed the tomb. It was a warning to those around not to even think about stealing the body.

The women wept. Mary’s anguish was deep, “I couldn’t even give him a proper burial.” John put his arm around her and led her away saying, “you can come tomorrow and apply the spices.” They went home, and there performed the Shabbat. It was what they were required to do.

Mary, as the mother, would light the Shabbat candle. The candles were to remind them of the blessings God had given them during the week. She would recite the the blessing, “Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the Universe, who has commanded us to light the Shabbat lights.” (Jesus had said, “I am the light of the world”).

Next they would sing the Shalom Aleichem (for the history of the song click here)

Peace upon you, ministering angels, messengers of the Most High, of the Supreme King of Kings, The Holy One, blessed be He.

Come in peace, messenger of peace, messengers of the Most High, of the Supreme King of Kings, the Holy One, blessed be He.

Bless me with peace, messengers of peace, messengers of the Most High, of the Supreme King of Kings, the Holy one, blessed be He.

May your departure be in peace, messenger of peace, messenger of the Most High, of the Supreme King of Kings, the Holy One, blessed is He. (Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27)

On the table would be two loaves of bread symbolizing the double portion of manna God gave the Jews’ ancestors in the desert after the Exodus from Egypt. Another symbol would be salt to dip the bread into to remind them of the temple sacrifices that were dipped in salt. (“I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.” John 6:51)

Afterwards wine would be drunk and the Kissush prayer recited. “Remember the Shabbat day to keep it holy.” After other parts of the traditional meal were completed, the Birman Hamazon would be recited to conclude the meal. “And you shall eat and you shall be satisfied and you shall bless the Lord, your God, for the goodly land that He gave you.” (In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 1 Corinthians 11:25)

That evening (of Jesus’ death) there wouldn’t have been much celebration. Silently they prepared for bed and saying goodnight they closed their eyes to a restless sleep. Jesus had died.

Today spend some time reflecting on the death of Jesus. During this time, as people we know may have Covid19 or have died as a result of the virus, we need to remember that death is part of the curse of the world for which Jesus died. We have a high priest who can sympathize with us, and one who has been tempted just as we have. Not only was Jesus tempted, but he also died. He, who was without sin, took on his shoulders our sin that we might find true life. This is why we remember that Jesus died. I’m just saying… 

From the Bunker Day 28