By Elizabeth Crawford

Stricken, smitten, and afflicted

See Him dying on the tree!

‘Tis the Christ, by man rejected;

Yes, my soul, ‘tis He, ‘tis He!

‘Tis the long-expected Prophet,

David’s Son, yet David’s Lord;

Proofs I see sufficient of it;

‘Tis the true and faithful Word.

(LSB 451, stz. 1)

As we enter into Holy Week, we will be meditating on many important events in Jesus’ life. On Maundy Thursday, we remember the institution of the Lord’s Supper. On Friday, we remember Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross. On Holy Saturday, we wait with barely restrained joy for the celebration that is to come. And on Easter, we rejoice in the resurrection of Christ Jesus, singing hallelujahs and proclaiming that He is risen indeed.

However, this day that is meant to be full of celebration and rejoicing may be hard for some. As we remember the resurrection of Christ, we may also remember those loved ones who have passed on before us. We may see their empty chair at the dinner table or miss hearing their voice during church. Although Easter Sunday is meant to be a time of joy and celebration, it may be a time of mourning for others.

This bitter sweet reality is perfectly normal for the Christian and Holy Week is an excellent example of the duality present in Christian life. We would not celebrate the resurrection of Christ Jesus if He had not died on the cross on Good Friday. Both sorrow and joy, death and life are realities this week. And they happen simultaneously.

But this dual reality does have an end. Death may have prevailed for three days, but Jesus ultimately defeated death and rose again. It is the same for all who believe in Christ Jesus. On the Last Day, all those whom we have loved will rise again and be brought to eternal life with Christ Jesus. Death is not permanent, and death cannot prevail over the power of Christ Jesus.

As we meditate on the amazing mystery of Christ’s death and resurrection, remember these words from LSB 451:

Here we have a firm foundation,

Here the refuge of the lost;

Christ, the Rock of our salvation,

Is the name of which we boast;

Lamb of God, for sinners wounded

Sacrifice to cancel guilt!

None shall ever be confounded

Who on Him their hope have built.

(LSB 451, stz. 4)

Soli Deo Gloria, Amen.

Elizabeth Crawford is a sophomore at Concordia University, Nebraska, where she is double majoring in elementary education and music. She is an active member of Bulldogs4Life, the Y4Life team on campus. She dreams of one day serving as a Lutheran Kindergarten teacher and professional musician.

All hymn texts taken from the Lutheran Service Book (2006).