Journey to the Cross 
Pause
I come to the garden alone,
While the dew is still on the roses;
And the voice I hear, falling on my ear,
The Son of God discloses.
And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own,
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known.
C. Austin Miles in “In the Garden” (1913)
Listen
It was still the first day of the week. That evening, while the disciples were behind closed doors because they were afraid of the Jewish authorities, Jesus came and stood among them. He said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. When the disciples saw the Lord, they were filled with joy. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father sent me, so I am sending you.” Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven; if you don’t forgive them, they aren’t forgiven.”
John 20:19-23
Think
Like Jesus sent Mary Magdalene to speak the story of his resurrection, he gives his disciples some homework too. They’re used to having Jesus around to lead the way, but he’s only there for a little while longer. It’s Easter evening now and they’re still huddling inside for safety, but Jesus tells them this isn’t the end of the story. Yes, be joyful! And also, there’s work to do out there!
In these few moments, out of all of the reminders Jesus could’ve shared from all of the things he had taught them, he chooses to highlight forgiveness. It’s a powerful choice, given the betrayal that Jesus himself had just experienced. “Here I am, marks and all, reminding you of the importance of trying to mend what’s broken.” What an invitation. A challenge! And a reminder that we’re not left to follow Jesus alone.
As we seek to share Jesus’s teachings through the actions of our own lives, what is one thing, big or small, that God might sending you to do?
Allison Wehrung
Pray
Sending God, may your Spirit go with me as I try live by your example, walking alongside those seeking to do the same.
Amen.
Go
He speaks, and the sound of His voice
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing;
And the melody that He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing.
And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own,
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known.
C. Austin Miles in “In the Garden” (1913)
