Holy Week #5 of 8 Thursday: Tragedy and Triumph, March 28
Daily Reflections from Inside the Cancer Journey
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Written by David Gira
When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. And he said to them, ‘I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God’” (Luke 22:14-16 NIV).
Moses had warned cold-hearted Pharaoh of the consequences of refusing to let the Israelites go. Now Egypt awoke to find every Egyptian first-born son dead. Imagine—screaming mothers and fathers, stunned siblings, everyone weeping and wailing.
During the night God’s angel of death had passed through the land. In the morning, Egyptian carnage lay strewn across the land. When Pharaoh found his own son dead, he begged the Israelites to go.
The first-born sons of God’s people, the Israelites, remained alive. The night before, their parents had marked their homes’ doors with the blood of the lambs they had slaughtered for dinner, just as Moses had instructed. When the angel passed through, it passed over them.
We cannot comprehend this Egyptian tragedy, the pain and suffering of losing their sons. Nor can we comprehend the tragedies the Israelites experienced in 430 years of Egyptian slavery. Nonetheless, God worked through it all, set His people free, and led them to the Promised Land. God took the tragedy and turned it into triumph.
Since their exodus from Egypt, Jewish families have celebrated an annual Passover meal. They eat lamb and other foods that remind them of their slavery and liberation.
Jesus looked forward to sharing the Passover meal with His disciples. They were all Jews, accustomed to this tradition, and a family with Jesus at the head.
Jesus diverged from the traditional blessings and prayers. He took the bread and proclaimed, “This is my body given for you.” Later, as He took the cup, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you” (Luke 22:19-20 NIV).
The traditional roasted lamb is not mentioned in the description of this precious time Jesus shared with His disciples. Yet, we know that there was a lamb there. Jesus is the Passover Lamb. He was sacrificed so that all people can be saved. He is the Lamb of God (see John 1:36). Everyone who marks their life with Jesus’ blood will be forgiven and live freely. They will be “passed over.”
The tragedy of Jesus’ imminent death cannot be fathomed or put into words. The manslaughter of God’s Son. His dying is more tragic than the death of every first-born son in the world. He is God’s one and only Son. He is the Messiah, Lord and Savior, and our friend. Killing Him by crucifixion makes it even more incomprehensible.
During the meal, Judas—one of the disciples—abruptly left the table and set out to betray Him. For a few coins, he brought the “authorities” to Jesus. They came and arrested Jesus. Everything seems to be coming to a tragic end, but Jesus’ ultimate triumph is now just three days away.
Facing cancer, you may feel like an Israelite in Egypt, enslaved. Or like Jesus broken and poured out, destined to die. Whatever you feel, God will show up. If you put your faith in Jesus, He will mark your life with His blood. Death, along with hopelessness, suffering, and cancer will all pass over. Now or later healing will happen, and you will be free and alive. Cancer’s tragedy will become Christ’s triumph.
Pray: Lord Jesus, thank You for coming to my rescue. Thank You for giving up Your life so that I could live. Thank You for giving us this special meal to remember You. Help me stay close to You always. Amen.
Your Turn: Read Luke 22. On Holy Thursday (today), Christian churches celebrate the Lord’s Supper. Look for an opportunity to participate. “Come to the Table” reminds us that we all are welcomed.
Michael David Gira Jr., Cancer Survivor
David was an ordained United Methodist Pastor and graduate of Duke Divinity School. He and his wife, Amy, lived in Raleigh, North Carolina with their three children. In 2017 he was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. In his book, How Cancer Cured Me, he shares many ways he experienced God’s healing. After a 7 year battle with cancer, David is now joyously singing praises in God’s glorious throne room. His legacy lives on through his writing for Cancer Companions, as he continues to proclaim Christ’s hope and healing power to others experiencing cancer. https://www.davidgira.com/how-cancer-cured-me
Cancer Companion’s vision for the future is for every person impacted by cancer to know the hope, love, and grace of Jesus and that every oncology team has included faith in their treatment toolbox. By 2033, Cancer Companions will provide 5 million engagements through cancer prayers, scriptures and interactions to those impacted by cancer. Engagements include; social media outreach, e-newsletters, prayer team requests, 30 days of Cancer Prayer event, and volunteer connections.
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