As we draw near to Good Friday and our Lord’s Crucifixion, everyone has something to say about Jesus. In the news lately are those who say that Jesus didn’t really die or that His disciples stole His body.
None of this is new. The Pharisees bribed the guards to lie and say that the disciples stole the body of Jesus (St. Matthew 28). The idea that Jesus didn’t really die isn’t new either! St. John says that blood and water flowed from His pierced-side on Good Friday (St. John 19). The blood and the water is the proof that Jesus was truly dead. There is no doubt that Jesus did indeed die on the Cross for you.
And if that wasn’t enough, everything was abuzz yesterday concerning a “new” gospel from Judas. All sorts of new “secrets” are said to be revealed – so they say. For an excellent analysis of this not-so-new “gospel,” check out Pastor Cwirla’s Blogosphere.
The Gradual for the season of Lent says it best: “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb. 12:2). Lent takes our eyes off the news and what “they” say about Jesus, and fixes them on the Jesus alone.
What is He doing? What does the Word say? He’s headed to the Cross to die for our sins and the sins of the whole world. He truly did die for you – no doubt about it. You died with Him in Baptism. Don’t listen to anyone tell you otherwise. Fix your eyes on Him.
In the name of Jesus. Amen.
Rev. George F. Borghardt III
Internet Services Executive
Higher Things, Inc.
