Easter Thoughts
Dear Friends,
At this time of year, thoughts naturally turn towards Easter and the remembrance of Jesus’ death and resurrection. At times one can find it difficult to believe the event. Recently I read the book by Bear Grylls OBE, (ex Chief Scout and writer on extreme sports and health) ‘The Greatest Story Ever Told’. On the back of the book a quote by Billy Graham is given, “ There is more evidence that this story is true, than there is that Julius Caesar ever even lived.”
He writes the story of Jesus’ life seen through the eyes of witnesses of the time, by each of these people in turn. Firstly Mary, mother of Jesus, up to Jesus’ baptism, then the sceptic Thomas, disciple Simon, John a friend and finally Mary Magdalene.
The book is interestingly written in the first person, with facts and quotations Jesus made, but context has been added, which I feel brings it alive. I found it often informed me of the context, in particular at the last supper, with the view of Thomas as to why Jesus chose the Passover to relate to his upcoming death. He states that the Passover had not been a celebration for years but was still observed, recognising the escape of the Jews from the oppression in Egypt, but they were still oppressed. Thomas realised at that point that Jesus was choosing the Passover time to ‘celebrate’ with them as he was about to die in order to free the ordinary people. Jesus even implied that he will have defeated the world.
He then comments on the time of the crucifixion when the veil of the temple was split in two, which was a very large thick curtain separating the ark, representing God, from the people. He realised that this represented the removal of the separation of the people from God, and brought the two within personal contact with each other, as we today in the Christian church celebrate.
Thomas refers at the end of the Passover meal elucidating the comments made by Jesus that he was not going to leave them on their own, but would come alive again and that they would come alive too.
After reading the more natural narrative, some of the last words of Jesus before his death are consoling, that the disciples believed because they had seen him with their own eyes, but there would be even better blessings for those who believe in him without seeing him.
What a thought to take with us this Easter. If doubts are lingering, this book, together with many other books too, help our faith.
Wishing you a very happy Easter,
David (Connolly)