Survivor’s Guilt

 

READ Luke 21-24

This morning’s news piles on a host of emotions. Our Christmas was wonderful, but the news is not. People are dying in severe weather. Where I live, deep snow is normal but not so in those places where snow and below zero temperatures are taking lives. I am praying for those who experience this time of year with broken relationships and all sorts of difficulties, those who lost loved ones and stare at empty chairs, and those who are alone. One family member spent Christmas day in bed — her expected guests were all sick.

Today’s reading begins with the simplicity of giving — Jesus praised a woman because she trusted God for her needs and put all she had in the offering box. Then He begins a description of “the end” with wars, great earthquakes, famines, pestilences, terrors, great signs from heaven, and increased persecution for those who believe in Him with hatred even from relatives and friends. These things are already in the news. He also talks of severe weather and the powers of heaven shaken just before He comes again:

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:33–36)

The people came to hear Him as the chief priests and scribes tried to figure out how to destroy Him without causing a riot. Satan helped by entering Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus when the crowds were not around.

As His disciples prepared the Passover and they ate together:

He took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. For the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!” (22:19–22)

The eleven were still oblivious to what was about to happen and argued who would be the greatest. Jesus told them that being great was about serving others and greatness was a gift from God, not about their leadership qualities (or lack thereof).

Jesus knew Peter would deny Him and what was going to happen. He prayed earnestly that God would remove this fate from Him, sweating blood yet saying: “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” (22:42)

God’s will was done. Jesus was betrayed by Judas, arrested, denied by Peter, abandoned by the others, mocked, beaten and blasphemed. His trial was a farce. Pilate considered Him not guilty but gave in to political pressure and delivered Him to the will of those who cried, “Crucify, crucify Him.” Simon carried His cross. A great multitude lamented. His garments were divided. One of the two crucified beside Him asked for mercy as the other thief rebuked him.

And Jesus died.

He was buried in a borrowed tomb, the first hint that His stay would not last long. The women came to anoint His body, but it was not there. They told the eleven but were not believed. Peter ran to the tomb and saw it was empty, yet he went home — too amazed to do much else.

That same day, two disciples were walking away from the scene, discussing the events. A man appeared and asked about their conversation. Then he said to them,

“O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. (24:25–27)

He stayed and ate with Him, and as He took bread, blessed it and gave it to them, they realized this was Jesus. He vanished and they went back to tell the others. At that, Jesus appeared again, ate with them and then “opened their minds to understand the Scriptures” (24:45), something Jesus must do so for all of us.

He led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple blessing God. (24:50–53)

Again, this incredible news triumphs over my angst at the news and sadness in this world. Jesus is alive. He will return. Someday, all will be right. Jesus has done and always will do everything He promises to those who love Him.