Day Eight: Sunday- Easter Sunday

Early on the Sunday morning following Jesus' Crucifixion; Mary Magdalene, Mary, the mother of James, and Salome, gathered together to attend to the body of Jesus with sweet spices. As they approached the tomb, they saw that the large boulder, which had been placed as a seal, was gone. Finding an angel in the tomb, they are the first to hear " he is risen; he is not here". I love that because of their diligence and focus on caring for the Savior, these women were prepared to be among the first that would experience the miracle of the resurrection. For me, this acts as one more testimony of the value and importance of being prepared to serve and meet Jesus.
They went to find the apostles, some of whom had already seen the Savior, but had not recognized Him. As word travels among His faithful followers that the tomb is empty, a small group arrive back at the tomb. Peter is the first to notice that the burial clothes have been laid aside. Mary Magdalene is the first to see the risen Lord.
Later, in a closed room, Jesus appeared to ten of His apostles. In this setting did the apostles get the opportunity to see, hear and touch the risen Lord. They were able to touch His wounds and see His resurrected form. Earlier in the week, Jesus had prophesied to them that the disciples would have sorrow, but their hearts would rejoice. I imagine that in this very intimate environment, this prophecy was realized. They truly could say at this moment and forever more, "I know that my Redeemer Lives". He taught from the scriptures, and instructed them as to how they should further the gospel by proclaiming the truth to all. At this time, Jesus also confers the Holy Ghost upon the group of men.
As Jesus prepares to depart from their physical presence, He leaves with the council to "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father , and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost". Although each of the four gospels describe the same events, each one takes a bit of a different approach. The departure of Jesus is described by Luke and Mark, however not mentioned at all by Matthew or John's accounts. Matthew's final words on Jesus' short sojourn with them after His resurrection is among one of my favorite scriptures when I am seeking comfort. "And, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world" (Matthew 28:20).

"Christ the Lord is Risen Today" is known as the Easter hymn.  Its lyrics are beautiful, but for today, I've chosen this rendition of "He Is Risen" by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir to share.  Click on the image below to start the video.

Scripture Experience:
     *The women and the empty tomb (Mark 16:1-8; Matthew 28:1-8; Luke 24:1-9; John 20:1-2)
     *Peter and John run to the tomb (Luke 24:12; John 20:3-10)
     *Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene (John 20:11-18; Mark 16: 9-11)
     *Jesus appears to the other women (Matthew 28:9-10; Luke 24:10-11)
     *The chief priests react to news of the Resurrection (Matthew 28:11-15)
     *The road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35; Mark 16:12-13)
     *Jesus appears to the disciples (Luke 24:36-49; John 20:19-23; Mark 16:14)    
Subsequent Appearances
     *Jesus and Thomas (John 20:24-29)
     *Jesus meets the disciples in Galilee (John 21:1-14)
     *Jesus and Peter: three-fold affirmation of Peter's love (John 21:15-19)
     *Jesus and the other disciple (John 21:20-23)
     *The forty-day ministry (Acts 1:1-5)
     *The apostolic commission (Matthew 28:16-20; Acts 1:6-8; Mark 16:15-18)
     *The Ascension (Luke 24:51; Acts 1:9-11; Mark 16:19) 

Day Seven: Saturday A Guard Posted

Today in Jerusalem, the only significant thing that occurs is the placing of a guard at the tomb where Jesus has been laid to rest. The Pharisees and Jewish leaders had remembered Jesus' sayings that on the third day, He would rise again. For fear of the disciples stealing the body and deceptively reporting that Jesus had risen, Pilate agreed to have a guard at watch and instructed that the tomb be sealed tight.
For several days, my thoughts have been on the close friends and disciples of Christ. I can imagine that shock filled this, the day after Jesus' death. After so many healings, miracles and the bringing Lazarus back from the dead; I am certain that they were expecting a final minute miracle as Jesus suffered on the cross. Though Jesus had tried to prepare them for what was to occur, as Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea finalized the burial, I wonder if shock and intolerable sorrow and confusion overcame those who loved Jesus most?
However, Jesus' work of teaching and preaching has not come to an end. As this day passes by in Jerusalem, the Nephites are experiencing three days of darkness after massive destruction filled their lands. During this time of darkness, the Nephites hear the voice of Christ. Jesus declares who He is, teaches that the more righteous were spared and invites them to repent. This was a time of preparation, for the Nephites would soon be in the presence of their Savior.
Also during this three days, Jesus is busy teaching in the Spirit World. D&C 138 has a wonderful account of His ministry at this time. Much of Jesus' work in the Spirit World is in organizing the righteous to be prepared to teach and preach in spirit prison.
One part of the Easter story that this year seemed more significant than in years passed is the suffering that our Father in Heaven may have been experiencing as well. Undoubtedly, the broader perspective came into play, but I have a hard time imagining that our Father went without great sorrow as He watched His most righteous Son take on so much for the salvation of each and every one of His beloved children.
This is a video clip that I have loved so much. I hope you enjoy.

Hymn: "In Memory of the Crucified"



Scripture Experience:
     * A guard is placed at the tomb (Matthew 27:62-66)
     * Darkness prevails among the Nephites (3 Nephi 9-10)
     * Jesus goes to the spirit world and organizes His work there (1 Peter 3:18-4:6; D&C 138)
     * Jesus testifies to the Nephites (3 Nephi 9:14-22)

Day Six: Thursday, Good Friday & The day of the Crucifixion

The events of this day occur rapidly, in part due to the fact that the time for the passover feast was quickly approaching. Jesus was taken first to Pilate by the Jewish leaders. With Pilate, a formal trial began where the accusations were discussed. Throughout most of this interchange, Jesus remains quiet. When asked if Jesus is  "the King of the Jews", Jesus responds with, "Thou sayest it." According to John's account of this  day, Pilate retreats to a private discussion with Jesus. At this time, Jesus confirms in brief His earthly mission to proclaim the truth.
Herod gets involved only for a moment and returns Jesus to Pilate. Finding no fault with Jesus and with his wife expressing her own worries, Pilate proclaims that he will wash his hands of the death of Jesus.  At this, those who are present agree to take responsibility. At the crowds insistence, Barabbas is released and Jesus is set to be crucified. During this time, which is believed to be about 3 hours, Jesus is scourged, mocked, ridiculed and beaten.
Jesus was to carry His own cross to the place of execution, Golgotha. In all ways, the events of last night and today truly represent that Jesus had descended below us all. All sources of dignity and respect were stripped from Him at this time. Yet in the midst of this torture, He offered a plea of forgiveness for those that were taking part in these events. For three hours a darkness covered the land. 
Surrounding Him at this time are several of His most faithful followers among which are His mother, John and Mary Magdalene. One interesting point of view that I discovered was than when Jesus confers the care of His mother to John, this symbolizes that John was brought more closely into the family of Christ. Because of what happened on the cross, we all can be brought into this deeper relationship with the Lord.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland has an insightful message about the Father forsaking the Son at this time. He suggests that the Father was closer to Jesus at this time than ever before during Christ's mortal ministry. However, to answer all the requirements of Christ's supreme sacrifice, it was necessary for the Father to withdraw briefly. That Jesus would truly know and understand the magnitude of how each of us would feel, when saddled with our own sin, when we suffered from a spiritual retreat.
I cannot help but to combine Elder Holland's message about this time of withdraw from our Heavenly Father with the earlier accounts of scourging and ridicule that the Lord faced at the hands of the Roman guards and Jewish leaders. Though our sins are often known only to ourselves; the shame, ridicule and guile we place upon ourselves can be torturous. Coupled with the loss of the companionship of the spirit, we can easily feel hopelessly alone. Our perfect Savior felt ALL of this for us, not to prove He is better than us, but to allow us to be carried to where He is. Truly, Jesus Christ, knows and understands us at our very lows.
Jesus utters His final words, "Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit". This act of allowing himself to die, completes the witness that He would have the power to rise from the grave.
Immediately following Jesus' death, the earth shook and the veil of the temple was rent. Shortly thereafter, Joseph of Arimathea took the body of Jesus to his private tomb. He was joined by Nicodemus who brought a kingly portion of spices for the burial. The Sabbath was quickly approaching so preparations were done hastily. Both of these men were socially well esteemed and it is believed they were private believers of Jesus. Interesting that they both came out very openly at this time to be part of such a personal and respectful symbol of support. 

Watch Elder Jeffrey R. Holland's testimony
Christ's Atonement is Central to the Plan of Happiness

Read the words of today's hymn before you listen to it. In 1985, Karen Davidson was asked to write the English lyrics to this tune written by Bach. She says of her goal in writing this song, she wanted three things. First, to accurately depict the details of the Crucifixion; Second, To show that the agony and death of Christ were paradoxical to the healing and release He would offer to His children and Third, a song that could be used both as a sacrament hymn and an Easter song. The lyrics are beautiful.
For full hymn, "O Savior, Thou Who Wearest a Crown" Hymn #197.


Scripture Experience:
     * Jesus in the hands of the Romans (Mark 15:1-19; Matthew 27:2-30; Luke 23:1-25; John 18:28-19:15)
     * Crucifixion of Jesus (Mark 15:20-28; Matthew 27:31-38; Luke 23:26-34, 38; John 19:16-24)
     * Jesus' final hours (Mark 15:29-37; Matthew 27:39-50; Luke 23:35-46; John 19:16-24)
     * Signs and reactions to Jesus' death (Mark 15:38-41; Matthew 27:51-56; Luke 23:47-49; John 19:31-37)      * The burial of Jesus (Mark 15:42-47; Matthew 27:57-66; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42)

Day Five: Thursday- The Last Supper and Gethsemane

The events of the Thursday before Easter are powerful in every aspect. Details of this day begin in the early evening as Jesus instructs His disciples who to look for in the city, and from him they will find a room for the group to share their passover meal. After having pondered the both fig tree stories from earlier this week, I was struck by Mark 14:15 where Jesus says the disciples will be shown a room that is "furnished and prepared". It seems like that is a very common theme and perhaps a suggestion for our own lives.
The Last Supper was offered to the Disciples as the Passover feast with the Lord. As Latter-Day Saints this is significant, because it is through our partaking of the sacrament each week that allows us to remember Jesus and renew our baptismal covenants with Him. In this upper room, Jesus not only introduced and offered the sacrament. At this time He also washed the feet of His disciples and taught to them the important lesson that none is above serving, which I think is a preparation for the great commandment, to love one another.
Jesus takes these last moments with His disciples to leave with them more council and teachings. Among these teachings:
      * The commandment to love one another as He loves us
      * "I am the way, the truth and the life", which leads us to back to our Father in Heaven
      * "If ye know me, ye know the Father"
      * Offer our prayers in Jesus' name
      * "If ye love me, keep my commandments"
      * teachings about the Holy Ghost
      * "My peace I leave with you..."
      * the teaching that we should abide in Him
      * He also teaches more about the resurrection

 After their time together in the upper room, Jesus and His disciples cross the Kidron Valley and come to the Gethsemane. As they enter the area, Jesus instructs all but Peter, James and John to stay back while the four proceed further into the garden. As they proceeded to walk further, Jesus' countenance began to show signs of sorrow. Jesus asks the three men to stay and pray for Him as he continues on, where He offers a prayer that the Father will allow this cup to pass. Three times, He goes back to find Peter, James and John asleep. Jesus suffered intensely for the sins of each and every one of us. Today, I found myself so grateful for Luke's account which includes the ministering of an angel to Jesus in His suffering. Ironically, I found one resource that also points to Luke being the only one to mention the healing of the cut off ear. Pointing out that Luke was also watchful to look for examples of the loving and kind acts of the Savior. This reminded me of council from Latter-Day leaders to look for the hand of God in our lives daily.
As they prepare to leave Gethsemane, Jesus knows that His enemies are near at hand. And just as He described earlier that very night, Judas is at the lead of a group of armed men ready to take Jesus as their prisoner. In front of the Jewish authorities, Jesus is questioned and abused. It was when Jesus acknowledges who He is, the Messiah and the Son of God, that the decision is made to sentence Jesus to death.

The Hymn that I ended up selecting for today is Hymn # 193, "I Stand All Amazed". I know that there are so many hymns that would have summed up this day, and maybe you have a favorite. I'd love to know which one it is. For my heart as I have been working on this project, I go to bed every night with the words of this song on my mind. More than ever before, I truly do Stand all amazed at the sacrifice rendered on our behalf. Remember to select words and music to hear both music and lyrics.
"I Stand All Amazed" Hymn

Other Hymns that you may want to read the words to or listen to are: Hymn # 185, "Reverently and Meekly Now"- which is unique because it is written in the first person, from the Savior's point of view and Hymn #173 "While of These Emblems We Partake"

Scripture Experience:
     * The Last Supper (Mark 14:12-31; Matthew 26:17-35; Luke 22:7-38; John 13:1-30)
     * The farewell discourses (Luke 22:24-30; John 13:31-17:26)
     * Jesus goes to Gethsemane (John 18:1)
     * Jesus at Gethsemane (Mark 14:32-42; Matthew 26:36-46; Luke 22:39-46; John 18:1)
     * The betrayal and arrest of Jesus (Mark 14:43-52; Matthew 26:47-56; Luke 22:47-53; John 18:2-11)
     * Jesus before the Jewish authorities (Mark 14:53-65; Matthew 26:57-68; Luke 22:54, 63-71; John 18:12-28)

Day Four: Wednesday; The Betrayal of Judas

Some traditions call this day, "Spy Wednesday" most likely referencing the betrayals and plotting that filled much of this day in the Savior's life. This is the day that the leaders are plotting to kill Jesus. They are very mindful of two things in their plan: first, they don't want the multitudes to be aware of the plan or the actual event and second, they don't want it to occur on the day of Passover- ironic that though they have a plan to kill Jesus, they are worried about the religious traditions. This is the day that Judas goes to the leaders in Jerusalem and offers to betray Jesus to them away from the multitudes.
One thing I didn't point out yesterday was that during the week of Passover, the Priests in Jerusalem would have traditionally been analyzing and inspecting very carefully the lamb that would be used as the Passover sacrifice. Instead, their time this week is spent analyzing and inspecting the Savior for blemish and flaw. When their attempts to cause Him to stumble fail, they prepare to be rid of Him. Little do they understand that by doing so, they are participating in the ultimate sacrifice of all time.
John records that in the council of Pharisees and Priests, Caiaphas (the High Priest) made a prophesy that one man must die so that the entire nation would not perish. This is interesting because Caiaphas was justifying the death of Jesus as a way to save the Jews from destruction at the Roman's hands. Yet his statement is true in the eternal perspective as the plan of Salvation required One who was flawless to sacrifice so that we all could return to our Father in Heaven.
Not a lot is said about Judas' decision to betray the Savior. The two possible reasons in the scriptures are money or greed and that Satan influenced Judas' decision. Regardless of why it happened, I have tried to understand what would put a person in the mind set to not only betray to death a friend, but the man you believe to be the Son of God? I keep coming back to a teaching of Joseph Smith about true faith. The prophet taught that to have true faith you had to have 1) you have to believe God exists, 2) you must have a correct idea of His character and 3) a knowledge that your life in according to His will. My assumption is that Judas didn't have a deep rooted testimony in one of these areas, so he was able to betray the Lord. 





The Hymn that I liked for today is.....I Believe in Christ

In light of the fact that Judas betrayed Him and the leaders of Jerusalem were plotting to destroy Him, I can imagine His followers singing their devotions and belief in Him.


Scripture Experience:
      * The plot to kill Jesus (Mark 14:1-2; Matthew 26:1-5; Luke 22:1-2)
      * The anointing (Mark 14:3-9; Matthew 26:6-13)
      * Judas agrees to betray Jesus (Mark 14:10-11; Matthew 26:14-16; Luke 22:3-6)

Day Three: Tuesday; The Olivet Discourse

On this, the third day of Easter week, the time of Jesus is spent primarily teaching in the temple and later on the Mount of Olives with His disciples nearby. Mark's accounts of this day include the lessons of the fig tree, but it is believed that he does this more for the impact of the lesson than the actual timing of the event.
When Jesus arrives in the temple this day, the Jewish leaders are again waiting to trap Jesus in His words and teachings. The Pharisees, Herodians and the Sadducees are prepared for confrontation.
The questions posed to Jesus are about the tributes paid to Ceasar, the first commandment and the widows mite.
Upon leaving the temple, Jesus issues a prophecy about the destruction of the temple. Considering the temple and grounds are still under construction at the time, I wonder if the disciples could grasp on to what He was saying in it's entirety.
Jesus and His followers head to the Mount of Olives where more prophesies and parables are given. These prophesies are about the Second Coming of the Lord. Because they focus so much on the destruction that will come to the Earth prior to His coming, this time on Mount Olives, known as the Olivet Discourse, is often referred to as "the little apocalypse".  Among the parables at this time are those of the Ten Virgin and the parable of the servants and their given talents.  It left me reflecting on what types of actions in my day I place most value on and are they the same things that will prepare me to meet my Savior. Read in Matthew 25:35-45, for a wonderful example of exactly what type of behaviors are expected to serve the Lord.
Another lesson that I found interesting is found in all three gospels.  It is present in the stories of Noah and Lot, but applied to the knowledge of the Second Coming.  The principle taught is that nobody can predict the Second Coming.  It will come without any knowledge of man, angel, or Spirit.  In both Noah and Lot's time, life was normal up until the day of destruction.  There will not be obvious signs or warnings.  He teaches that the best thing to do is to be prepared at all times, since there is no way to tell when the Second Coming will arrive.  It is our best option to be in good standings with the Lord, and to be prepared for His Coming regardless of anything else.

Hymn: For today, I chose "On a Golden Springtime" from the Primary Children's Songbook. I did this because as I pictured the Savior with His disciples, sitting at the Mount of Olives. From their vantage point, they would have had a full view of Jerusalem and the temple. This song seemed fitting for how my mind imagines this moment. Click on image to begin the song.

Scripture Experience:
     * Lesson from the withered fig tree (Mark 11:20-26)
     * Teachings in the temple (Mark 11:27-12:44; Matthew 22:15-23:36; Luke 20:20-21:4)
     * Jesus' lament over Jerusalem according to Matthew (Matthew 23:37-39)
     * The Olivet Discourse; Jesus' prophecies regarding the last days before His second coming
             (Mark 13:1-37; Matthew 24:1-25; Luke 21:5-36)
     * Summary of Jesus' teaching (Luke 21:37-38; John 12:37-50)

Day One: Palm Sunday, The Triumphal Entry

Good Morning and welcome to Palm Sunday, the day that marks the beginning of Holy Week. Just prior to this day in the life of the Savior, Jesus and His disciples have been with Mary, Martha and Lazarus at their home. With Lazarus at His side and Martha preparing and serving their meal, Mary makes a gesture of grand measure by anointing the feet of the Lord with a very expensive ointment that has been reserved for the purpose of anointing the Savior, for His upcoming burial.  This anointing can also suggest that Jesus is indeed a King among the Jews. I think it is interesting that on this night Judas confronts the Savior about the ointment selection. But even more interesting is the fact that with love, Jesus teaches a very significant lesson- that He is only to be with them for a short time more and His presence in our lives is worthy of THE VERY BEST we have to offer.
As Jesus and His followers travel the road from Bethany to Jerusalem, they stop to secure the donkey on which Jesus will mount and ride into Jerusalem. This donkey can represent two different aspects of the life of Jesus. First, the humility that our Savior has throughout His life and Second, the majesty of who He truly is, the literal Son of God.
As the procession comes upon Jerusalem, Jesus stops and mourns this great city that would not accept Him as their Savior. I am amazed at what this shows about our Savior. He knows what lies ahead for Him and His thoughts could be on so much more than the fate of this city. Yet His love and compassion continue and His concern for this people never wavers.
A large crowd has gathered along the journey to Jerusalem. Many surrounded Him waving palm branches and spreading their coats to make a path for Him to ride. Lazarus has recently been raised from the dead, and word of this has spread quickly. Many have come out to see the procession, maybe because of this miracle- but this miracle can hardly compare to conquest over death that will occur just one week from this day.
Jesus proceeds to the temple, where He clears the temple of all the disrespectful activity there. I think that for the residents of Jerusalem and the crowds that have gathered, the two events are determining factors for how they will feel about Jesus in the coming days. Both of these events show that Jesus' authority is far more than a prophet or teacher. He has the power and authority to bring life back to the dead AND to cleanse the temple. Those who loved Him probably became more devoted and those that despised Him started plotting.

I have included for today the link to Hymn # 69, "All Glory, Laud, and Honor". Also today I have a short video clip that I hope will bring the Savior to the forefront of your mind this week

 Link to "All Glory, Laud, and Honor".
Make sure to click on "Words and Music" under the Recorded Music section to the left before pressing play.


Scripture Experience: Read about the Events of Palm Sunday 
     * The Triumphal Entry (Mark11:1-11; Luke 19:28-40; John 12:12-19)
     * Jesus' lament over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41-44)
     * Jesus' cleansing of the temple (Mathew 21:12-13; Luke 19:45-48)


Enhanced Understanding