Anticipation, Frustration, Realization

The crucifixion scenario involved several days.

As a prelude to Friday, Thursday has earned a title indicating its involvement in the happenings. It is known as Maundy Thursday. The word “Maundy” is derived from the Latin word “mandatum” meaning “command,” and this word is the origin of the English “mandate.” Jesus made the mandate telling his followers: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13: 34, 35 

On the evening of Thursday Jesus gathered to celebrate what is called the Lord’s Supper. He gave His followers the command.    

Friday before Sunday earned the title Good Friday. It can only be seen as a good Friday in retrospect. From the vantage point of Sunday’s resurrection Friday is seen to be good, only because of what it enabled on Sunday.

There is a life cycle that played out during those days. We all experience the cycle. The three phases are: ANTICIPATION, FRUSTRATION, REALIZATION. 

The disciples experienced them very dramatically. They had great anticipation. Jesus was everything for which they long hoped. He was their champion, the ultimate victor. They anticipated He was the one who would deliver them and restore Israel. Anticipation was on a mountain top high.

Then!

Frustration pushed anticipation off stage and took center stage. The crucifixion resulted in Jesus’ death and with it all they had anticipated died.

Frustration reigned supreme, gleefully. It cast a shroud of gloom over all they had anticipated. He was affirmed to be dead by the chief officer in charge of the execution as well as the high court of the time. All involved said He was dead. Death’s dirge sounded clearly.

But wait, there’s more. Realization rose with Sunday morning’s sun. Hopes were revived with certainty. Abundant life abounded. He is alive. This reality  exceeded any anticipation they had previously. Fulfillment is overflowing.

Sing it, fortissimo, HE IS ALIVE! Say it, sing it, shout it, HE IS ALIVE.

What the apostles aspired to pales in light of what they now were to experience.

Now in light of this ultimate realization, flash back to Thursday and the commandment He left them and us to: “love one another.” Out of gratitude for all these blessings we can show our love for and devotion to Jesus by obeying His command and love one another.