John 19:38-42

Be still: Lord, I surrender all distraction. Still my heart and mind so I can hear you speak. Remind me of the depth of your sacrificial love for me. Fill me with your presence in this moment. Amen.

 Read: John 19:38-42

 At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden. (v 41)

 Encounter: John tells us that at the place where Jesus was crucified, where he took on all the shame, pain, injustice, disappointment, grief, every sin past present and future – at that place, there was a garden.

Gardens, including in scripture, are places of new life and of growth. I love how in this passage this symbol of hope juxtaposes the pain experienced. It lets me know that pain and suffering, joy and new life sometimes closely co-exist. It illustrates that the pain of the Cross is not where the story ends but, whether I can see it or not, hope is close by.

 The garden doesn’t take away the pain of the crucifixion. As Joseph and Nicodemus carry Jesus’ body into this place, I can’t imagine how they were feeling, maybe a sense of duty but also immense pain. The garden doesn’t take away the reality of the suffering, but signals hope is near.

 In our own lives, it can be difficult to hold the hardships we experience together with the hope found in Jesus. As Christians we tie things neatly into ‘seasons’ and we often separate places of pain from places of hope. But what if a garden is nearer than we think? What if God is wanting to show us the reality that he brings new life into loss, or healing even though we’re experiencing pain. 

If you are in a place that feels unbearable – maybe you’re carrying exhaustion, grief, disappointment, failure, fear, or confusion, – my prayer is that the Lord would open your eyes to see the garden in your life that signals that Jesus’ resurrection power is closer than you think. 

Apply: What are the small signs of hope in your life today? Are there areas of heaviness where you need to tell the Lord the reality of how you're feeling?

Devote: Lord, open my eyes to see the new life nearby and fill my heart with the faith to trust that your victory is on the way. Increase my awareness of the nearness of your Resurrection power, not only tomorrow on Easter Day - but every day.