The Third Day

Seemingly, accused of blasphemy against His own God; this prophet of Nazareth was sentenced to die on a cross as a common thief. He was spat upon and cursed for his profession. He was forced to wear a ‘crown of thorns’ jabbed into his head by the crowd. Nails were driven into his body causing fleshy wounds in his hands and feet; gaping, from the weight of his body. His clothing reeked of dried blood. He was alive, hanging there in agony, and looked upon to many as a spectacle of the nation.

A disciple asked for the body of the disfigured man. He eased the wooden cross down to the ground, and carefully removed the nails from his hands and feet. He then carried the blood-soaked body to a tomb that had been carved out of rock that was to be used for his own burial. He washed the tattered body with oils, and spices. Fresh white linen was used to wrap the entire body, absorbing fluids from the thorn and sword piercing. He placed whom he believed to be the Messiah inside, and then rolled a great stone over the tomb opening.

On the third day, the women made their way to the tomb. To their wonderment, the stone was rolled away. Lying on the flour of the tomb where the blood-stained linens. “Where is the Messiah, where have they taken him?” they asked among themselves. “Fear not” an angel spoke. The voice was startling! Not realizing this was an ‘Angel of the Lord’ speaking, the women trembled and were afraid. “As was foretold by the Prophets he has risen, go and tell the others what you have seen.”

The disciples believed the women’s words to be ‘idle tales’. “Do you have proof of this?” they asked. “I have spoken to him” said Mary. Suddenly, out of nowhere, he appeared unto them. They all believed save one. Thomas was absent during the first appearance and he did not believe. Thomas had to touch his nail scarred hands, and thrust his hand into his side. “I am he that liveth and was dead, behold I am alive forever more.” Then Thomas believed.

He is the Light, the Life, and the Resurrection, and as was prophesied by the Prophets of old. “He will rise from the dead on the third day.”

© 2005 Änn Hïll