Thank God, it's Good Friday

The Miracle of Jesus

by Maclean Dopp Laird

     Ten-year-old Maclean has been passionate about art for as long as his parents can remember. He's busy either doodling, drawing, crafting, painting and creating and loves it. 

     Maclean painted this picture at his art class with Kamloops artist Karla Pearcehttp://www.karlapearcegallery.com, because he knew Easter was coming and he wanted to put it on display at his church. 

     This painting shows Jesus and the two criminals being crucified. The power, shown as light, is coming from Heaven and represents the power of Jesus taking away our sins and pushing the devil back down to Hell, because our sins are forgiven.

     

     

     Many times throughout our journey of life we are called to commitment.   

     It may be to special project, like young Maclean's art work, an important task or, to a relationship.

     We soon learn that determination and resolve are needed, if we are to be successful in any venture. This is especially true in our relationships. Love calls for commitment and a choice. The more we choose to love, the stronger our commitment becomes. 

     Jesus came to earth with a determination and a sole purpose to die for us. What an example of love and commitment! 

     Nearing the end of his life, he tried to prepare his followers for his imminent death. He said, "We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. He will be handed over to the Gentiles. They will mock him, insult him, spit on him, flog him and kill him. On the third day he will rise again" 

— Luke 18: 31-33

     

     But this concept was too difficult for them to accept, even though they had probably read the prophet's prediction of the Messiah's death... 

     "He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed" 
    

— Isaiah 53:5 

     As Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey, an animal symbolic of humility and peace, he was surrounded by large crowds who were spreading their cloaks on the road and waving palm leaves. 

     Praising and shouting, "Hosanna in the highest," they were declaring Him as Messiah and King. 

     

     

     Ironically, very soon, much of the crowd's shouting became, "Crucify Him! Crucify Him!" But, the plot of His accusers unwittingly set in motion God's divine plan for saving the world, to which, Jesus was fully committed.      

     "It was Palm Sunday and because of a sore throat, five-year-old Johnny stayed home with a sitter. When the family returned home, they were carrying several palm branches. 
     The boy asked what they were for. People held them over Jesus' head as he walked by, he was told, 'Wouldn't you know it,' the boy fumed, 'the one Sunday I don't go, He shows up!'"

— beulah