Scripture: Matthew 27:45–54; 28:1–10
For now you know the power of God, which is the Cross of Christ, and are come to it, which crucifies you from the state that Adam and Eve were in in the Fall, and so from this world . . . And the way is Christ the light, the life, the truth, and the saviour, the redeemer, the sanctifier, the justifier; and so in his power and light and life who is the way of God, conversion, regeneration, and translation are known, from death to life, darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God again. —George Fox
Questions: Sometimes people feel distant or alienated from God – even Jesus did on the cross. Have you ever felt that way? In what ways does Jesus’ humility, non-aggression, and self-emptying, even to death on a cross, serve as a model for us? What is difficult for you about following Jesus’ example?
Once on a trip to Palestine, I stayed in a guest house outside of Jerusalem. With a bit of spare time, I wandered toward the Old City. Along the way to the Damascus Gate, I passed by the garden tomb, one of several locations claiming to be the site where Jesus was taken after his crucifixion.
I had been in the entrance of this garden before but never went to the tomb – there was always a very long line of people waiting to go in. This time, however, no crowds were visible from the gate. I went inside and walked directly to the tomb. As I arrived, the remaining people exited. Amazingly, I found myself there alone, sitting for a few quiet moments.
Before long, the sound of many voices began to build outside the entrance, and I knew a crowd was about to enter. I finished expressing thanks to God for Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection just as a camera-toting couple burst in and began flashing photos – snap, snap, snapping images of themselves in the tomb. They would soon have abundant proof they had been in the tomb of Jesus.
As I slipped past them and resumed my journey to the Old City, I was overwhelmed with gratitude that Christ is, indeed, risen – and not in that tomb or any other. The wonder – the miracle of this life we lead – is not found in an ancient space, or confined to a date on a calendar, nor is it limited by the events recorded in Bible history. No, Jesus is alive and waiting to lead those who will seek him on a fearless journey in our time and place.
For those who are the Friends of Jesus, this vital experience and essential, life-changing knowledge is what enables us to continue his mission in the world, even until the end of the age.
–Colin Saxton in “Friendly Perspective” from Matthew: The Life of Jesus