He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinners and be crucified and on the third day rise.” And they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles.(Luke 24:6-10)
Pay attention to angels. Their advice and actions are often life-saving to our bodies and souls. Here, the angels help the women and us remember Jesus’ teachings that he will be crucified by sinners and on the third day rise. Rising into heaven is important. Jesus’ resurrection is an essential Christian belief that gives us hope. But the angels don’t mention heaven. There’s another message.
Like Jesus, we’ll also be delivered into the hands of sinners who crucify us. Recently, I was in that situation. I and other family members were betrayed by someone we thought cared about us but didn’t. Most of us have been betrayed because there’s so much evil in the world. The message is that we must rise above it on the third day.
We often don’t think about Jesus rising on the third day because it doesn’t make sense. Jesus died on a Friday afternoon just past three as all the hands of the clock descended. At the latest he rose on Sunday morning before sunrise – that’s actually less than two days. The Bible could say it was less than two days when he rose but instead it tells us he didn’t rise on Friday, the first day, but rose on Sunday, the third day. Jesus died at three and rose on the third day because, in the Bible, three symbolizes life and completeness. The Bible often uses the number three: the trinity, three patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob), Peter denying Jesus three times, Jesus in return telling Peter to feed his sheep three times, and Jonah was in the belly of the whale for three days. There are other examples.
We need to rise completely above the death of our souls when we’re hurt or betrayed, so we can begin new life. Jesus took less than two days to rise and it will probably take us more than three days, but it is important to rise above the crucifixion our souls feel and the people who were responsible. First we feel negative emotions: sadness, anger, and anxiety. Following Jesus’ example, when it’s happening, we should remain silent. Secondly, Jesus prayed. “Being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.” (Luke 22:44) Thirdly, he forgave “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”(Luke 23:34) Fourthly, Jesus helped another. “Jesus answered him (the criminal), ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.’” (Luke 23:43)
Jesus, you understand what I’m going through. You were tortured more than I. Help me follow your example to not respond in anger, keeping silent. You died for sins worse than the ones committed against me. So help me forgive. Maybe he/she doesn’t know better if acting by example from parents or doesn’t realize the enemy is at work. I trust you for revenge. Let me help someone else so I can rise above the crucifixion of my soul and the person who did it. Amen.
Jesus rose for us and He wants us to rise above the pain of being betrayed. He wants forgiveness in our hearts. If we are betrayed we have a lot of negative energy in our body and mind from the anger the betrayal causes. We don’t like to be hurt or watch the people we love be hurt. At times I can forgive immediately because I know the hurt was not created intentionally. That is so different than someone’s intentional betrayal of plotting against you. For me that kind of forgiveness is a process and may take awhile until I work through it. I feel that Jesus would be OK with that approach. Jody, how do you feel about that?
Jesus always understands what we are going through. Forgiveness is never saying that what a person did to you or a loved one is okay because it’s not. I think about how fortunate I am to live in a country where food, clean and hot water, entertainment, medical care, heat and air conditioning, housing, and jobs are readily available. I understand why people in other countries want what we have. I also understand that many people are not as fortunate to have been brought up in a family with love and with parents that took them to church whose parents may have been criminals or cheated on each other and have no good role models. They also are not as fortunate as I am. People look for love in the wrong places. I am also fortunate because I know I can look to God for perfect love. Other people don’t recognize they have a savior but I do. I am one fortunate and happy person. I know God can do good with the wrongdoings performed against my family, and I pray and trust that He will. I think Jesus wants us to forgive as soon as possible but understands when we don’t. I have forgiven quickly this time but feel God is using the wounds to send my family in a positive direction. We’re all going to be okay. I think you answered your own question when you said we have a lot of negative energy when we don’t forgive and that Jesus wants us to rise above the pain. Jesus knows the sooner we forgive, the sooner we lose the negative energy and the pain. I used to think I had to work through betrayal and pain, but now I know that God will work through it for me. Out of this pain is coming new friends, new love, more love from current friends and family, and new experiences. I can already see the good God is bringing from the pain. I love you. Jody (Sorry for rambling.)
Not rambling! I wanted to hear how you felt and how you think that God helps us through times of hurt and betrayal.
Thanks. I appreciate your caring how I feel. I hope God’s bringing you through it too.