What does Easter mean to you?

This is the time of night when my introverted mind starts wondering, thinking and drawing introspection. Many nights I go out on the back porch to reflect on my day,my week, my journey. Sometimes I realize that I am too introverted.

For some reason, tonight I reflected on the real meaning of Easter and the thought of Jesus being crucified is just aweful but He was doing God's will and He came for one purpose. I often joke about bunnies and humorous antics especially the Easter bunny leaving something at the door but those days are over.
I did thoroughly enjoy fixing baskets. I'm not so sure my kids really enjoyed it but the joy is in the giving.

I read tonight the 7 last statements that He made before He died on the cross. As I read each verse I tried to find meaning of the statement and how to interpret that in my life and they were striking to me and I hope that you will reflect on the meaning of each one because it's so important to reread what he said during those last hours.

The following are the last recorded statements Jesus made while hanging on the cross. If you consider what Jesus said in John 19:26-27 as one statement you will have a list of seven distinct phrases. If you look at these two verses as containing two separate sayings then you have a list of eight.


"Then Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.' And they divided His garments and cast lots. " (Luke 23:34)

There are many people that pass our journey that I have come to realize that some folks don't really know what they are doing. Sometimes it's hurtful and rejecting but I think He understood and I'm trying. That's the only way I can make sense of it sometimes.

"And Jesus said to him, 'Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.' " (Luke 23:43)

This verse gives me a promise that one day we will be with Him and He wanted us to know that. This verse makes me feel safe and loved.


"When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, 'Woman, behold your son!' Then He said to the disciple, 'Behold your mother!' And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home." (John 19:26-27)

This verse really struck me as He understood that we all don't agree with our children but mothers should be respected. The relationship goes both ways and the bond is never broken. There are responsibilities we all could ignore, including myself, but this is not what He wants for us. Family is important.

"And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, 'Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?' which is translated, 'My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?' " (Mark 15:34)

In reflecting on this scripture, I realized that even Jesus Himself had a moment that He felt alone and questioned God's purpose. He felt abandoned so he can relate to us all.


"After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, 'I thirst!' " (John 19:28)

Here I interpret that He was human. He had needs and asked for them just like we should be doing every day.



"So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, 'It is finished!' And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. " (John 19:30)

This is one of the saddest scriptures. He gave up His spirit. Again, He showed understanding that no matter what we do sometimes, there's a time to give up. Our spirits are human.


"And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, 'Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.' Having said this, He breathed His last. " (Luke 23:46)

His very last statement shows that no matter what happens in our life, we are not in control, God is.

These 7 last statements I think held much meaning that we can apply to our daily life. Sometimes it's hard to believe. Sometimes it's easy.

On a serious note, I realize I'm human and make many mistakes but God understands and sent His son to relay many reassuring messages.

I hope your Easter is a safe and happy one!

Jennifer