Three pictures:

1. Jesus turned to his disciples as he faces the Cross – Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. John 14:1 So many terrible things were about to happen that it seems this statement of Jesus seems out of place, impossible?  Jesus spoke these words as the hour had come when his suffering was heavy as midnight.  The disciples had no idea what was about to happen.

2. But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples deserted him and fled. Matthew 26:56. The Last Supper, with its unbelievably tempestuous interactions ended.   Jesus took with him close disciples and prayed that agonizing prayer among the olive trees, “Father, if there is some other way…”   We recall the scene.  The Temple guards apprehended Jesus and took him away.  We read, Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.  Jesus, the Lord of All is alone, alone, alone!

3. After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb…The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.

Those few hours in Jerusalem were tumultuous!  Judas’ betrayal, Jesus washing the feet of his disciples, the bread and the cup!  Then the Jesus’ words as he faced the Cross… “Not my will but yours be done!” It is too much to take in.  What followed is an upheaval of the powers of hell, hours when Jesus was condemned by his own people, then hung on a Roman cross to die!  Then, after hours in the tomb is raised from the dead and is alive forever more.

I bow my head, and wonder, again, at the grace of God.  Do you feel like I do?