03/30/2024
After Jesus' death, the disciples were likely feeling a mixture of grief, confusion, fear, and disbelief. They had believed that Jesus was the Messiah who would bring salvation to the world, but now he was dead. They may have been questioning everything they had witnessed during their time with Jesus and wondering what would happen next. Holy Saturday, therefore, is a time for reflection. Let us remind ourselves of some of the teachings Jesus left us from his ministry in the gospels.
Lesson 1: Love your neighbor as yourself
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus teaches, "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:39). This lesson emphasizes the importance of treating others with kindness, compassion, and respect.
Lesson 2: Turn the other cheek
In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus instructs his followers, "But I say to you, do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also" (Luke 6:29). This lesson teaches us to respond to hurtful actions with grace and forgiveness.
Lesson 3: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says, "So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets" (Matthew 7:12). This lesson encourages us to treat others the way we would like to be treated.
Lesson 4: Seek first the kingdom of God
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus advises his followers, "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you" (Matthew 6:33). This lesson reminds us to prioritize our relationship with God above all else.
Lesson 5: Trust in God's provision
In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus reassures his disciples, "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on" (Luke 12:22). This lesson teaches us to trust in God's provision and not worry about material possessions.
Lesson 6: Humility is key
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells his followers, "Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted" (Matthew 23:12). This lesson emphasizes the importance of humility and putting others before ourselves.
Lesson 7: Forgive others
In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus teaches, "And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses" (Mark 11:25). This lesson reminds us of the importance of forgiveness in our relationships with others.
Lesson 8: Have faith like a child
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says, "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:3). This lesson encourages us to approach our faith with childlike simplicity and trust.
Lesson 9: Serve others
In the Gospel of John, Jesus demonstrates the importance of serving others by washing his disciples' feet (John 13:1-17). This lesson teaches us to follow Jesus' example and serve those around us with humility and love.
Lesson 10: Walk in obedience to God's will
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus prays to God, "Not my will, but yours be done" (Matthew 26:39). This lesson reminds us of the importance of surrendering our own desires and walking in obedience to God's will.
Lesson 11: Stay connected to the vine
In the Gospel of John, Jesus says, "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:5). This lesson teaches us to stay connected to Jesus and draw our strength and nourishment from him.
Lesson 12: Spread the good news
In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus commands his disciples to "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation" (Mark 16:15). This lesson encourages us to share the message of Jesus' love and salvation with others.
Bonus Lesson: Trust in God's timing
In the Gospel of John, Jesus tells his disciples, "My hour has not yet come" (John 2:4). This lesson reminds us to trust in God's perfect timing and have faith that he is working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).