Our little daycare at First Methodist Church closed on Friday. It was THAT LAST DAY—the day families gathered their children’s belongings and said goodbye to people who had become like family. Now, these families must step into a new season, dropping their children off at an unfamiliar place. This transition stirs fear and worry about the unknown. Would our children cry? Would they be scared? How would we feel?
I remember THAT LAST DAY of Stringer’s life. Everyone helped prepare him for what was to come. Leah came and carefully shaved and trimmed his beard. The nurses and Lauren gave him a bath and dressed him. The day was heavy with fear and worry about the unknown. What would happen tomorrow? What would the transition look like? Would we be able to adjust?
This week my mind goes to Jesus, His disciples, Mother Mary, Mary Magdalene and others on THAT LAST DAY. Jesus had been preparing them for what was ahead getting ready for the transition, but many didn’t grasp how difficult it would truly be. They, too, were filled with fear and uncertainty. What would our days look like? How could this happen? What was next? What would the transition entail?
That last day, the last 24 hours of Jesus’ life went like this:
- · Jesus met the disciples, washing their feet and identifying Judas as his betrayer, and instituted the Last Supper
- · Jesus went to the garden of Gethsemane and experienced intense emotional anguish and prayed during which he sweated blood.
- At around 12:30 am, Judas identified Jesus with a kiss. Peter drew a sword and cut off the ear of the high priest, which Jesus then healed. Jesus was arrested shortly after.
- · 1:00am Jesus underwent 6 trials, 3 Jewish, 3 Roman
- · Peter denies Jesus- 1am and 4am
- · 6am Judas hangs himself
- · 7:30am Jesus was mocked by soldiers, a crown of thorns was placed on his head, and he was forced to carry his cross.
- · At 9am, he was crucified
- · In the final moments, he hung on the cross for six hours with darkness covering the land from noon until 3pm. During this time period, Jesus tells one of the criminals that he will be in paradise with him, speaks to Mary and John, cries out to the Father asking why He has been forsaken, and says He is thirsty.
- · 2:50- 3pm He uttered his final words, including ” Father, forgive them, and it is finished before dying. Jesus also prays, ” Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.
- · An earthquake occurred, and the temple curtain was torn in two, opening the holy of holies.
- · 4pm Joseph of Arimathea buried Jesus in a nearby tomb.
The story of THAT LAST DAY of Jesus is found in all four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
Each Gospel offers a unique perspective on Jesus’ death, highlighting different theological themes:
Mark highlights abandonment and suffering, Matthew emphasizes fulfilled prophecy and cosmic signs, Luke stresses Jesus’ innocence and forgiveness, and John portrays a triumphant, sovereign Jesus in control of his destiny.
These differences suggest that each author tailored their account for a particular audience—Matthew for Jewish readers, Mark for Roman, Luke for Gentile, and John for those seeking deeper theological insight.
In life, our reflections and perceptions of significant days, like THAT LAST DAY, will also differ. Each of us brings unique emotions, strengths, weaknesses, and beliefs, shaping how we interpret and remember these moments. Some focus on empathy, while others seek fulfillment or meaning.
When I reflect on Jesus and THAT LAST DAY, I wonder: how did He do it? He could have chosen not to move forward with God’s plan, but instead, He endured it for all of us who continue to fall short. He died on the cross for everyone.
As we enter Holy Week, I encourage you to remember that Jesus faced THAT LAST DAY on our behalf.
As you go about your days, consider: Does my life and my decisions reflect Christ? Am I living for others, or just for myself? Are my actions benefiting those in true need, or simply reinforcing my own beliefs and comforts? Am I treating each day as a mission to reach those who need Christ? Am I actively sharing Christ’s love with others?
We will all step, sometime in our lives, into THAT NEXT DAY. We will be full of fear, worry, and anxiety of the unknown of what comes next, however, if we do these things every day, we will change that uncertainty into faith and be able to walk the walk in front of us so,
- Show up for JESUS every day – Start your day in the Word.
- Show up for OTHERS – Serve others, whether or not they are like you, whether or not they annoy you, or are difficult to understand. That is what Jesus did; He showed up for everyone.
3. Show up for YOU – Fill your cup before you help fill others’ cups.
WE WILL FIND JOY WHEN WE SHOW UP FOR JESUS, OTHERS, AND OURSELVES.
As Father Mike says, “You pray for me, and I will pray for you.”
As Tara Leigh says: He’s where the joy is.
Have a great week, Cupcake loves you and so does Jesus.
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