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Those who follow Christ and believe in Him know the Holy week leading up to Easter. The word Christian means ‘Christ-like’. So, all who claim to be Christians are stating they are attempting to model their life after the ways of Jesus Christ. Because Easter is one of the most significant times in Christ’s life, He also used this phase to show His followers how they should act and live their lives. What were some of these attributes? This blog will start at the Last Supper.
The Last Supper - Christ communed with those He was the closest with. Even knowing that they were going to fall short by betraying and denying Him. He wanted to sit with them and enjoy the moments Christ had with them. He showed His vulnerable side to His inner circle, asking the disciples to be with him as he went to the Mount of Olives because He needed them and didn’t want to be alone. Christ knew the importance of surrounding oneself with those who believe in you and will support you, although the human side may cause an occasional fall.
The Garden of Gethsemane - Having concerns is okay. He took His closest followers, Peter, James, and John to surround Him while he opened about His sorrow. Christ was under stress knowing what was going to happen. He was troubled to the point of breaking down, crying out to God “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” (Matthew 26:39 NIV). Jesus fought between His feelings and understanding actions. This was a fight that He wrestled with and prayed 3 separate times on the same night. The importance is while knowing something is hard, take the time to feel what you are feeling, surround yourself with those who are the closest to you, and push forward with what is right and needed.
Caiaphas’s Trial - Christ was surrounded by a crowd who were against Him. The crowd demanded Him to speak to them and answer their questions. The high priest demanded answers and accused Christ of blasphemy. Yet when they turned to Christ to participate, He remained silent and peaceful. During this interrogation, they would spit on Him, smack Jesus with the palms they were holding, and shove Him. Christ knew His reasoning and understood He didn’t need to participate in their activities. Christ stood alone, no support system, yet maintained His composure.
Prepping and Crucifixion - After Pilate washed his hands, stating he knew Jesus was a just person, the crown demanded Christ to be crucified. Soldiers took Jesus to a common hall and stripped Christ of His clothes. The soldiers and crowd mocked him as they moved to Golgotha. The soldiers gave Christ vinegar to drink, though Christ would refuse. Christ was flogged and a crown of thorns was added to His head. While Jesus was hanging on the cross, the crowd would yell at Christ to prove Himself by calling angels to rescue Him. They hung a sign over his head intending to be sarcastic, labeled This is Jesus the King of the Jews. While Christ looked at the crowd, the soldiers were gambling His clothes away. All of this was done in Christ’s lowest hour, while He was still conscience, and in agony, he watched and asked “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34-38 NIV). Christ showed that while others are nasty and full of hate turn around and show forgiveness and compassion. That their actions reflect on them and not on the individual it is being directed at.
Resurrection - Jesus died on Friday and was buried. His body lay in the tomb for three days. When Sunday arrived, as Jesus said he would, He came back from the dead. This shows that Jesus Christ followed through with his commitments. What Christ said he would do, He did.
To summarize only some of the lessons Christians should daily strive for are:
Create an inner circle and find time to be with them. Surround yourself with a support system that supports growth and positive actions. Show mercy as no one is perfect and even those who love us the most will falter. Be vulnerable only around the closest loved ones.
Be okay with sorrow, feel it, and let it out. Do not let it create fear that will deter you from what is needed. Take as many breaths as needed but push through.
You do not need to prove yourself to anyone. When you are in a place of mimicking, belittling, and downgrading; remain calm. Keep your composure and know your place. Do not get caught up in the heat of the moment and lash out.
Be observant of how others treat people. Know what lengths people will go. Forgive them so you do absorb their energy, and hatred, and condemn yourself. Show compassion for all no matter what they do.
Stick to your word. Know what you are promising and only promise if you know you will do it.