'The Cross Is His Love for Us!'_Passion Week, Remembering Jesus' Ministry and Crucifixion
2015-04-05
 

"Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord". On the earth Jesus spread the gospel of the kingdom, healed people of many diseases, and revived the dead. With such great signs and wonders He testified to the living God, and before the Passover he entered the city of Jerusalem on the colt, welcomed by the people of Israel (Photo 1).

The next day, He cleansed the temple of God by driving out all those who were buying and selling in the temple. He also gave realization to the high priests and the Pharisees who asked a question of Him with the intention of trapping Him in His reply. They became speechless before His words of authority and became even more eager to look for the way to put Him to death.

Meantime, Judas Iscariot, who had held a grudge since the time in Bethany when Mary anointed Jesus with the ointment, went to the high priests and promised to hand Jesus over to them. Jesus shared the Last Supper of the Passover with His disciples, washed their feet, and then went to Gethsemane where He prayed for His redemptive ministry with such fervency that His sweat became like drops of blood (Photos 2, 3, and 4).

He was captured by the officers of the high priests that Judas Iscariot brought, and He was first taken to Annas the high priest. He was later sentenced to crucifixion and suffered from many things. He was scourged harshly, people spat on Him, and He was despised, disrespected, and mocked by them. He went up Golgotha with the cross on His shoulder and was crucified. After being hung on the cross for six hours, He took His last breath (Photos 5, 6, 7, and 8).

During the Passion Week Manmin Central Church members all over the world had a great chance to engrave the love of the cross again, praying in Special Daniel Prayer Meeting that had started on March 16 of this year and that is being broadcast via GCN. They also imprinted deep in their hearts the love and sacrifice of the shepherd who helped them have another chance to lead true Christian lives on Easter Sunday 2013, which was on March 31, 2013.

On Friday, April 3, 2015, the members took part in the passion of the crucifixion by offering up more than one-meal fasting with thanks for the love of the Lord. During the second half of Friday All-night Service, they bore His love in mind once again through Easter Performance.

Easter Performance 2015 was directed by Performing Arts Committee. It was entitled 'Martyrdom' and performed with God-given songs. The wonderful rendition of United Choir, performances of United Singers' Team, Nissi Orchestra, and Hallelujah Band; the good acting of performers, and the stage production with vivid images, and special effects of performance professional staff touched all and gave unforgettable moments for the audience to remember.

The Lord opened the way of salvation for us with the sacrifice of His life, His obedience, and His service when we were sinners and He has been interceding for souls without eating or drinking anything since He resurrected and ascended into Heaven. We should always think of His love.