Good Friday

Today, together with Christians from around the world, I am reflecting on the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. One way that I have been connecting with the story in a new way this year has been through visualizing the story as if I was there. I highly recommend this type of visualization.

Lets do it together now. We'll read a section together and then I'll give some visualization suggestions.

READ Matthew 26:36-46

Visualize:

• Feel the tiredness of the disciples
• Notice the change in Jesus demeanor
• Smell the smells of the garden
• earth
• flowers
• cedar
• Feel embarrassed as Jesus returns to find you sleeping
• Feel your eye lids falling as you fight like you've never fought before to keep your eyes open
• Feel confused as Jesus says things that don't makes sense about a betrayer. 

 READ Matthew 26: 47-56

Visualize:

• See Judas off in the distance.
• Feel excited to see a friendly face
• Notice the crowd of people following him
• Feel curious as to why there are men with clubs and swords following Judas
• Feel your mind ease as he comes up and kisses Jesus
• Feel the anger rise in you realize Judas has led the men to Jesus for them to take Him
• See Peter wildly swing his sword and cut off the servants ear
• Feel confusion as Jesus says that you shouldn't fight for his life
• Feel the intense fear inside you
• Feel the branches hitting your face as you run away
• Feel your legs throbbing as you run as fast and as far as you can
• As you notice you're probably safe, you keep running because it's the only thing keeping you from sobbing because your friend and teacher is going to be killed. 
• Feel the understanding that you are guilty by association and will probably be killed also

Anyway, you get the idea. I would encourage you to continue this process through the rest of the crucifixion story! It's amazing how much more real the whole thing becomes.

LOVE,
d