Easter is just around the corner, and as we reflect on the importance of that day, I am reminded of a picture that was taken a few years ago while Cheryl and I visited Jerusalem. The picture displays a tree that was broken during an unexpected snow storm. The irony is that the tree was located in the Garden Tomb area, near the site where it is believed that Jesus was buried. The weight of the snow had broken the tree. The symbolic image is a reminder that the unexpected can leave us broken, even when we are near to Him. The story of Easter is not about immunity from problems, hurt, or even trials. It is about brokenness.

Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 11:24 “And when He had given thanks, He broke it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.” Consider that Easter is about Jesus being broken to pay for our sins, but He is not the only person to experience brokenness during those days. Peter had denied Jesus and felt like a failure. Mary had seen her first-born son tortured and killed. Jesus’ followers had seen their hopes shattered as their Rabbi was killed.

For us the story does not end with brokenness, it ends with resurrection. It is the promise of old, a promise of Hope.

Isaiah 53:5 “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.”

Come to the garden with your brokenness. Jesus understands what is it to be broken and in turn, has the power to heal our brokenness.

Anchored in Hope,

Pastor Phil