Night Before DAWNSample

Night 5

The first night in the last three years without Jesus. He’s not nearby˗ He’s gone.

Moreover, in the moment of their separation no one said: “Goodbye!” or “See you soon!” Everybody just ran away as fast as they could, and now their shame is heavy and burdening their souls.

It’s a silent night. What’s there to say when the fear of the unknown is so deep that it paralyzes every cell in your body, your mind, and your soul? It’s a fear so strong that upon hearing the  shouting of “Release Barabbas to us!” it can only give a whisper: “Release Jesus…Jesus…”

Everything of value and importance died with Jesus. All the disciples’ hopes, plans, credibility, courage, deeds. Nothing was left, because everything was about Him.

So how do they live now?

Can they go back home? Too much shame!

Can they stay here? Too much fear.

Can they keep on doing His ministry? But where do they find strength?

Can they switch sides and join Jesus’ enemies? That’s impossible!

In that case, the words of encouragement saying that ‘life doesn’t end there’ would be inappropriate, because it really seemed to be the end of the disciples’ lives…

Still, there is life in this story! Do you know where?

Yesterday Jesus wanted to eat the Passover meal with His disciples. It was a symbol of a lamb’s death and a reminder to us that in the house where His blood was spilled, nobody will die and life will go on. Today Jesus Himself became that Passover sacrifice, the LAMB, whose blood was spilled so that life “in this house” could go on!

Friday night is not an addition to the Resurrection on Sunday. It’s not an extension of Thursday. It’s nothing but the Passover! It has everything- the Lamb, the death, the blood.

THE LIFE!

It is the night.  The night without Him, but still with Him more than ever. Jesus is the Passover! The Resurrection is close!