John 19:16-30; Matt. 27:1-61

There is a Bible study tool called the Senses Study. While reading a passage of scripture you are supposed to experience the senses within the story, the sounds, smells, sights, feelings, etc. It can be a powerful way to read scripture as it puts you within the scene.

Today’s events lend themselves to this study.

Spend a few moments considering what you hear, smell, see, and feel.

(Go ahead. Close your eyes and imagine it for a few minutes. It won’t hurt, I promise!)

What did you experience? Hear? Smell? See? Feel?

Whenever I read this story what stands out to me is the sound. It’s almost like everything else has been silenced surrounding except for Jesus and those witnessing it. I hear the desperate cry of Jesus, “My God, why have you forsaken me?” And his painful shout before he dies.

Then silence.

An eerie, gut-wrenching, profound silence.

And then in the background the whimpers and sniffles of weeping women, the Marys and others watching from a distance. The respectful silence of Joseph dressing Jesus for burial with only the sounds of fabric on skin and a sponge in water, then the scraping of stone on stone as one is rolled in front of the tomb.

Then silence again.

There is nothing left to say, only ponder.

For a day like today, that’s enough to carry.

What’s your experience?