Welcome!

We live in a world with mixed up values. Those uninitiated to the Christian faith, wonder how we can celebrate Jesus’ crucifixion!

It started at the top of a hill. Riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, Jesus was surrounded by a crowd of rapturous people swelling to the thousands, shouting “Hosanna!”  Most Kings would ride a horse, celebrating the number of people killed to gain their victory; this King was riding a donkey! His victory was a week away, would herald the defeat of death’s grip over us, freeing us to new life!

"I have longed to celebrate this Passover with you...", Jesus told His disciples.  As they gathered, a deepening sense of purpose began to unfold. I must wash your feet… I am going where you cannot come, yet … Before the cock crows thrice …. Go do what you must … Can you not stay awake with me for an hour?  … The hour has come!  Let’s go!  

Jesus plays into the carefully planned betrayal, followed by His arrest. Without warning, the Chosen Twelve are separated from Jesus, and the climax of human history is set in motion.

His crucifixion stuns the city and an eerie darkness descends. The sound of sobbing and weeping is a distressing purr in the background until the Prisoner whimpers, "It is finished!"  Silence. Then sobbing and weeping changes to wailing, and the sound of a massive, 10-15 ton metal curtain being torn from top to bottom falling on itself, pierces the air.  In that moment, did anyone present remember the line from the Psalter, "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints" (Psalm 116:15)?

Was this then the Father’s plan, that His Son would die an ignominious, inglorious, most cruel death the wicked, twisted, sick human mind would ever devise?  

Why? 

First, let’s embrace MYSTERY; we cannot understand all God does, but we can accept it in faith.

Second, let’s appreciate LOVE; we cannot understand God’s love, but we accept it and learn to live by it!

This is the answer to the question, “why did Jesus have to die on the cross?” - God's love for us is SO great, His only desire is to return us into a rightful relationship with Him.  

The time is now. Will we live up to God’s potential in us? Look at what He went through to make this a reality! Shall we give God the credit of resurrecting and restoring in us, all He made us to be?

Yours on the journey of restoration.

Kalyan 

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If you are new to Botley, North Hinksey, Cumnor (and surrounding areas) or to Botley Baptist Church, or have been worshipping here for a long time and wish to explore more about Church life, Baptist beliefs and how you can participate in the life of the Church, you are most welcome to join us on Wednesday 8th May, 2019 at 7:30 pm at the Das' home.