Greatest Sacrifice

It was the Greatest Sacrifice: the innocent taking freely the burden of sin, so we would not have to suffer what we so honestly deserve. It was the Greatest Gift we could receive. Jesus’ triumph over the wages of sin, over death, for us.

“It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His Spirit.”
John 19:30

And on the third day…

As the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb…
Matthew 28:1

Mary Magdalene, Mary, the mother of James and Salome brought spices that they might come and anoint Him…
Mark 16:1

But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb…
Luke 24:2

Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down and looked into the tomb…she turned around and saw Jesus standing there… Jesus said, “Mary!” She said to Him, “Rabboni”
John 20:11,16

Mary told the disciples what she had seen. When the disciples assembled and were in fear, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” He breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”
John 20:19-22

Holy Week, the last week of Lent, commemorates the time Jesus carried the burden of sin for us. This was the week he suffered betrayal by his closest disciples.

This was the week of the Last Supper.

This was the week He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane.

This was the week the Sanhedrin tried Him.

This was the week the Jews tried Him again in front of Caiaphas.

This was the week He was turned over to Pilate.

This was the week Pilate tried Him twice.

This was the week that He suffered.

This was the week that the crowd called for Barabbas.

This was the week He was crucified.

This was the week He died.

This was the week He was buried.

This was the week the tomb was opened.

This was the week Christ appeared to the women on the Road to Emmaus.

Let us travel a personal Road to Emmaus. Let us meet Jesus on the Road. When He calls our names, let us answer as Mary answered, “Teacher!” May we come to know the breath of the Holy Spirit and receive the Greatest Gift He Gave, Peace Be With You.

(Beautiful picutre of Jesus courtesy of "free painting Jesus" yougotjesus.com)