Thursday, we took our teen group of girls to "A Journey to the Cross". This was a very moving experience put on by a local church. It is a time of quiet reverence while meditating on key elements of Christ's passion.
The 1st room focused on the 30 pieces of silver that Judas was payed for betraying Christ. The Son of God was traded away for the common price of a slave...
In the 2nd room, the focus was on the Spike and the Mallet...Holding the weight of one of these spikes in your hand helps you grasp how cruel Crucifixion was. The Romans knew to put the spike between the wrist bones which not only anchored the arm but hit vital arteries and injured muscle tendons...Holding the mallet reminds me that it was my sin that drove the nails...but we can rejoice that, when Jesus looks at his scars, he does not see our sin-If we have placed our faith in Him he only sees us now fully redeemed.
The 3rd room was a scene that brings you to your knees...His cross...the altar on which his innocent blood was spilled...for me...for you. This blood soaked cross now offers believers protection from the judgement of God. A shocking reminder that the cross is more than a cool looking symbol to wear on a chain or T-shirt...this was such a humbling experience.
The 4th room was beautiful. Here, all Christians were invited to take communion. During the Last Supper, Jesus explained that his body would soon be broken and his blood would be shed. He told them to remember often by breaking bread and sharing wine with each other, and that this was a new covenant. Will we choose to remember?
The 5th room focused on the Temple Curtain...Up until the time of Jesus' death, there had been a large curtain hanging in the temple to separate people from the Holy of Holies, where the presence of God dwelt. At the very time that Jesus gave up his spirit, the curtain was torn from top to bottom as only God's hand could do. We now have direct access to God, because He removed the barrier...we can come in the name of Jesus directly into His presence, no matter how guilty or ashamed we may be...Have you entered into His presence?...
The 6th room focused on the oil and spices that were used to prepare his body for burial. Just like the precious gifts that were given at his birth, these expensive oils and spices were a sign of love and respect. We are reminded that we do not always bring him our best...his followers paid a high price to bury him so honorably...he paid such a high price with his death, and what does he want in return?...our heart...have you given him yours?
The 7th room had "our cross" Galatians 2:20 says "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." We are to take up our cross daily, die to ourselves and seek to follow after Jesus. In this room we were encouraged to write a prayer or burden, and then, nail it to this cross as an outward sign of exchanging our ways for His. As people pounded those nails into that cross, others who were going through the tour could hear it. It got louder as you advanced through each room...that sound only deepened the impact of this experience. It was freeing to get to that room and leave your burdens on the cross. What a gift we have been given!
Have you been to the foot of the cross?
We leave this tour at the point of Jesus' death and burial, but we know the rest of the story...Sunday is coming!
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3 comments:
WOW! Thank you Allison,very moving and chilling,I can only imagine being there,what an experience it must have been,thanks for posting this.
What great illustrations of the Passion. You have a lovely blog.
Blessings from Ohio...Kim<><
How great is His love for us!
Beautiful post and photos; thanks for sharing them at Biblical Womanhood Friday :)
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