When we think about Easter, we usually envision happenings during Holy Week, the Passover meal, the path to Golgotha, the Cross, the tomb and the Resurrection. Those are the images of Easter for us as Christians. But as I’ve been reading about these events this week, I’ve begun to think about other things that may have transpired “behind the scenes”. I want to share some of those.
Simon of Cyrene – This was a man, a worshipper of God, who had come to Jerusalem for the Passover event. He was standing in the crowd as Jesus was coming by. One of the soldiers realized that Jesus could no longer carry the heavy cross, so he looked over and likely said, “Hey you, get over here and carry this man’s cross!” Did he get some of Jesus’ blood on him?
Those who stood nearby – In John 19:25-27 we read about some who were near the cross: Jesus’ mother, some other women and the disciple John, who Jesus loved. Imagine how they felt, especially Mother Mary and John who was to take care of Mary.
The man crucified with Jesus – Two men were crucified with Jesus. One was insulting Jesus but the other was repentant. He heard Jesus say, “Today you and I are both going to be in Paradise.” Imagine later on that day when the man stood with Jesus on the streets of gold! Forgiven! (Luke 23:32-43).
The soldier who “won” Jesus’ clothes – Sometime between 9:00 AM and noon, while Jesus hung dying on the cross, the soldiers who crucified him cast lots or gambled for his clothes. What did the soldier who “won” Jesus’ clothes do with them? After it was all over, they knew Jesus WAS the Son of God. What did he tell his family when he got home?
Everyone when it got dark – “It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two.” (Luke 23:44-45). Imagine everyone who was at the crucifixion when it got dark at noon. Whoa! Then, in the temple, the Holy Veil was torn. What did the priests think? Something has happened here!
The earthquake – At the moment when Jesus gave up his life, at the same time the veil was torn, an earthquake happened. It split the rocks and opened tombs and many holy people who had died came to life and went into Jerusalem. (Matthew 27:51-53). Imagine the thoughts of the people who saw the darkness, felt the earthquake and then saw people who had died walking in town! Maybe people near the tombs saw them come out!
All this happened on Friday, Good Friday. These things about which I have written were images , “behind the scenes”. All this happened and It was all God’s plan. And now, IT IS FINISHED! But Jesus isn’t finished, He’s still at work.
