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 The name Golgotha – “the place of the skull” – paints a vivid and somber picture. This hill, situated just outside the ancient city of Jerusalem, holds a significant place in history and belief. More than simply a location, Golgotha embodies a powerful duality, a place where the harsh reality of mortality intersects with the promise of renewal. This “place of the skull” stands as a testament to profound contrasts, a site where the finality of death gave way to the dawn of new beginnings. From the connotations of decay inherent in its name, to the transformative potential of the pivotal event that transpired there, Golgotha invites contemplation on the enduring themes of sacrifice and the possibility of life emerging from death. A collective reflection on God’s grace and our chances for renewal Sunday, April 13, 2025 |
A master of forgiveness Matthew 26:14-16 When I read this passage, my first thought is always “Judas! How could you?!!” How could he sell out the Son of God? And for so little! In today’s dollars, it would be equivalent to less than a week’s wages for the average earner. He had walked right alongside Jesus for three years. He witnessed Jesus feed 5,000 people with five loaves of bread and two fish. He saw Jesus calm the storm at sea. Witnessed Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead. He knew Jesus was the real deal. So why did he do it? We can speculate, but no one on this side of heaven truly knows Judas’ thoughts. But we do know how Jesus reacted. Jesus knew that Judas would betray him. He still washed Judas’ feet. He ate with him at the dinner table and taught him alongside the others. Even as he was dying at the hands of those who betrayed him, Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34). Even though his very life was being unjustly taken, he still wanted the mercy of God for us feeble humans and for our sins to be forgiven. Jesus is the master of forgiveness. Can we be masters of forgiveness, too? Can we wash the feet of those who betray us? Can we eat at the same table with those who have hurt us? Can we walk alongside others who have done us wrong? That sounds hard. It sounds hard because it is hard. Forgiving those who have hurt us requires us to let go of our anger and resentment and give up our claim to be compensated for the hurt it caused us. It’s simple, but it’s not remotely easy. When I encounter situations when I need to forgive, I often throw a toddler-sized fit in my prayers with God. My selfish human nature doesn’t want to give up the upper hand I think I have on the other person. I want to cash in the “you owe me because you hurt me” card. But that’s not how we grow to be more like Jesus. And I want to be more like Jesus. Though forgiveness is hard, the alternative is heavy. Unforgiveness breeds bitterness, vengefulness, and resentment, and it hinders growth. Unforgiveness is something you carry with you everywhere, spilling out of you in ugly ways. The only way to ease the “heavy” is to set it down at the feet of Jesus. Again and again, set it down at the feet of Jesus and feel the freedom of forgiveness. What or who can you forgive today? Prayer for Today: Jesus, today would you help me see my own heart clearly. Help me name the places of unforgiveness I am holding over others. Help me to consider where I can hand my anger and resentment to you, and where I might be able to offer grace and forgiveness to someone who harmed me. Amen. By Stephanie Muttschall |
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