Finding Comfort in Jesus’ Crucifixion
Though the Lenten season is over, my mind keeps going back to the period of time after Jesus was crucified and before he rose from the dead. It was seemingly a place of ‘in between’, a place of uncertainty. As humans, we often struggle with uncertainty, we like to ‘be in the know’ and most definitely the silence of God, or His seeming silence can be perceived as uncertainty. In times of trouble and distress, we often cry out to Him for help, guidance, and comfort, but sometimes we are met with silence. It can be challenging to trust in God when it seems like He is not answering our prayers. Today we will be taking a closer look into the story of Jesus’ crucifixion and find the hope that lies within. As it teaches us about the nature of God’s love and the importance of faith even in the midst of silence.
The crucifixion of Jesus is one of the most well-known stories in the Bible. It is a story of love, sacrifice, and redemption. It is also a story of silence. After Jesus was arrested, He was mocked, beaten, and ultimately crucified. As He hung on the cross, many people mocked Him, and even those who loved Him began to doubt. I can imagine thoughts such as ‘was any of these experiences real’ and I can just imagine Mary, his mother thinking back to when the angel told her she was with child of the Holy Spirit. It was a time of great darkness, and it seemed like God was silent.
Lessons from Jesus’ crucifixion
In Matthew 27:46, Jesus cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” It is a powerful statement that shows us the depth of Jesus’ suffering. In that moment, it must have felt like God had abandoned Him. But despite the silence, Jesus did not lose faith. He trusted in God’s plan, even though it was difficult to understand.
We can learn a lot from Jesus’ example. When we are faced with silence from God, we must trust in His plan. It can be challenging to do so, especially when we are in the midst of difficult circumstances. But we must remember that God’s ways are higher than ours, and He has a plan for our lives.
Another important lesson we can learn from Jesus’ crucifixion is the power of perseverance. Jesus endured great suffering on the cross, but He did not give up. He knew that His death would bring about salvation for all who believe in Him. It was a difficult path, but Jesus was committed to seeing it through. When we face trials and difficulties in our own lives, we must also persevere. We must hold onto our faith and trust that God will see us through. We may not understand why we are going through what we are going through, but we can have faith that God has a plan and that He will be with us every step of the way.
One of the most powerful aspects of the story of Jesus’ crucifixion is the ultimate victory that came from it. Although it may have seemed like all hope was lost, Jesus’ death was not the end. On the third day, He rose from the dead, triumphing over death and sin. It was a moment of great joy and celebration, and it proved that even in the darkest of times, there is hope.
We can take comfort in the fact that our God is a God of resurrection. He can take even the most difficult situations and turn them into something beautiful. When we face silence from God, we must remember that He is always working behind the scenes. We may not be able to see it, but He is always there, guiding us and shaping us into the people He wants us to be.
The story of Jesus’ crucifixion teaches us a lot about the nature of God’s love and the importance of faith in times of silence. It reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is hope. We must trust in God’s plan and persevere, knowing that He is always with us. And we can take comfort in the fact that our God is a God of resurrection, who can bring beauty from even the most difficult situations.
Making it personal
If you are struggling with silence from God, I encourage you to take some time to reflect on the story of Jesus’ crucifixion and the lessons we can learn from it. Meditate on the words of Jesus as He cried out to God in His suffering, and the ultimate victory that came from His death and resurrection. Remember that God’s ways are higher than our ways, and His plan for our lives is ultimately for our good and His glory.
It is also important to seek support from others where applicable during times of silence. We are not meant to go through difficult times alone, and having a community around us can provide comfort and encouragement. Reach out to trusted friends or family members, or consider joining a small group or church community to connect with others who can offer support and prayer.
Additionally, it can be helpful to spend time in prayer and reflection, seeking God’s presence and guidance. While it may seem like God is silent, He is always listening and is present with us in every moment. By spending time in prayer and meditation, we can cultivate a deeper relationship with God and find peace in His presence.
Finally, it is important to remember that God’s timing is not always our timing. While it can be frustrating to wait for an answer or guidance from God, we must trust in His timing and His plan. The story of Jesus’ crucifixion teaches us that sometimes we must endure difficult times and wait for the ultimate victory to come. But when it does come, it is all the more sweet.
When God is silent, it can be challenging to hold onto our faith and trust in His plan. However, the story of Jesus’ crucifixion provides us with valuable lessons on the importance of perseverance, trust, and hope in the midst of silence. By reflecting on the story of Jesus’ crucifixion, seeking support from fellow believers, spending time in prayer and reflection, and trusting in God’s timing, we can find comfort and peace in even the most difficult times. May we all be reminded of God’s unending love and faithfulness, even in moments of silence.
See you soon, let us continue to go beyond perseverance! Remember you may use the link below to contribute to our work.
You may also find these articles insightful https://hannahmoments.com/2023/04/07/reflections-on-jesus-crucifixion-witnessing-his-love-and-sacrifice/, https://hannahmoments.com/2023/01/02/welcome-2023/ and https://hannahmoments.com/2023/02/28/hope-an-anchor-for-our-souls/
