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Feliz Semana Santa

Holy Week...Semana Santa...Easter...

Pastor Fernando challenged us, the congregation to spend time in reflecting what Jesus said in this last week in leading to Calgary, what emotions, feelings he must have felt, and what Jesus did.  Let me share with you some of the things I have been reflecting...

Domingo de Palma
Palm Sunday...Hosanna in the Highest.  Pastor Fernando shared in one message the meaning of the word hosanna which is something that I have been reflecting on since.  The word hosanna originally was a Hebrew word meaning "to save me" a cry for help.  Later, the Greeks changed the meaning to "Savior."  Another piece to consider in putting the triumphal entry into context is that news of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead had spread.  Jesus' entry into Jerusalem with the Jewish people picking up palm branches shouting Hosanna!  Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.  Blessed is the King of Israel were asking Jesus to save them and be their Savior, the Messiah.   The palm branches they used signifies victory, triumph, peace and eternal life which the people proclaimed Victory in Jesus before he was crucified on the cross.  Jesus
 on a colt signified that he was coming in peace whereas a horse signifies war.




Jesus coming into the city of Jerusalem where many people wanted to harm him.  How difficult was it for him in knowing that he was arriving in a city who really hated him?  Did not want him there.  Knowing that these same people who were proclaiming victory and Savior really had no idea what they were saying.  Jesus shares with his disciples, closest friends and family about his upcoming death.  How difficult and emotional that had to be for him to share that he was going to die.  While he was sharing the impact of his words had to have on him as a human being.  Did Jesus feel alone in that moment?  Many continued to have unbelief even after witnessing many miraculous signs and wonders of Jesus.
La Incredulidad

Jesus celebrated the Feast of Unleavened Bread with his disciples.  He showed his disciples by example of being a servant leader by washing their feet.  This was a task for the lowest servant to perform.  It must have been something that wasn't done soon after arriving.  Did the disciples realized
Jesus lavando los pies de sus discípulos 
that there wasn't a servant to perform the task?  Did Jesus already gave thought about washing his disciples' feet that evening?  Or did he realize that there wasn't a servant that Jesus saw the need and fulfilled it?  What had to be going through Jesus' mind while eating the Passover meal with his disciples?  His last meal before his death on the cross yet knowing that Judas would betray him and Peter would deny him.  Did he feel alone?  When he took the bread, gave thanks, broke it and gave it to his disciples was he thinking about his upcoming death?  Also, when he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them?
Cena del Senor 

Jesus' time in the Garden of Gethsemane...taking his three closest friends to come with him in his time of need.  How did Jesus feel when he saw his friends sleeping not just once but twice?  In his time with the Father, how he drew strength, comfort, and peace in knowing that Jesus was doing the will of the Father.  Did the Father encourage Jesus during their time?  Jesus having Judas give him a kiss of betrayal, into the hands of his enemies.  The people shouting, "Crucify Him" instead of "Hosanna."  The whipping he received.  Being brought before the Sanhedrin and Pilate.  Being mocked.  Spit upon.  The final blow...Peter denying him three times.  This was not just a physical beating but also an emotional, mental, relational beating.  The shame and dishonor the people placed on Jesus that even his disciples were shamed and did not want to be associated with him in his time of need.
Jardin de Gethsemane

All of this, and yet Jesus carried his cross with the help of Simon from Cyrene to the hill of Golgotha.   He did not fight nor lash out in words but yet his spirit was not broken.  Jesus knew the will of the Father.  His love for the Father and the love the Father has for him strengthen him and gave him the endurance until it was his time.  Amazing Love.

Viernes Santo, La Crucifixión 

Jesus took the sin of all mankind and the world upon himself that the Father had to turn his back on his only son.  Jesus was completely alone.  Isolated.  Yet in his death Jesus fulfilled the law.  The penalty of sin is death.  Our sacrificial lamb...the blood that was poured out in order to clean us from our defilement of sin and make us right with God the Father.  Thankfully the story does not end here!

Cristo vive.  Ha resucitado.

Hallelujah!  Christ is risen.  Risen indeed.  The grave could not hold him.  Victory in Jesus!  Jesus triumphed over death.  Bringing us a peace that this world cannot give.  Giving us the gift of eternal life.  Christ is alive. 

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