Gatherings with family or friends to celebrate the most important day on the Christian calendar are now referred to in the past tense for another year.

Life’s routines centered around work, school, or other matters demand our attention.

Before we digress, let’s take a moment to reflect on Resurrection Day and it’s importance.

As He was contemplating what was to come, Jesus lamented over the city of Jerusalem:

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’” (Matthew 23:37-39 ESV)

Jesus informs us not only of His role, but also of His intentions on our behalf:

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.“(John 10:11 ESV)

After celebrating a Passover meal with His disciples, Jesus went to a garden to pray for He knew the hour had come leading to the destiny before Him:

“And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” (Mark 14:32 ESV)

Upon His arrest, Jesus was forced by Roman soldiers to walk the way of suffering or Via Dolorosa on the way to His crucifixion as the crowds mocked Him, yelling “Crucify Him, crucify Him” .  

Upon His death His body was handed over to Joseph of Arimathea who buried Jesus in his private tomb:

“After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body.” (John 19:38 ESV)

“Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb.” (John 20:1 ESV)

“But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.” (Matthew 28: 5-6 ESV)

A friend texted me earlier today to convey her Resurrection Day blessings to me. The text simply read:

1 Cross / 3 Nails / 4 Given

I cannot think of a better way to close this short, reflective post. I can personally say, my Redeemer lives!

My prayer is you can say the same.