happy easter

I went to the Desert Botanical Garden yesterday morning. All week I had been thinking about what Christians call Passion Week - the time from Palm Sunday when Jesus made his triumphant entry into Jerusalem with the people waving palm fronds and yelling "Hosanna" through Good Friday when Jesus was crucified and  Easter when the tomb where Jesus was buried was empty after He was raised from the dead by the power of God.

The Garden was full of reminders of that week. It was as if all of nature was celebrating that week along with me.

The natural beauty and quiet reminded me of the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus went to pray.

Mark 14: 32-42

The spiny cactus reminded me of the crown of thorns they put on Jesus' head to mock him.

Matthew 27: 29-30

This saguaro reminded me of the cross that Jesus was nailed to and died on.

John 19: 17-18, 33

The abundance of red flowers reminded me of Jesus' blood that was shed for mankind's sins - for my sins and your sins - cleansing those who believe in Him.

John 19: 34 and  Romans 3: 23-26

The sweet-smelling flowers reminded me of the spices Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea used to prepare Jesus' body for burial while the prickly pear cactus reminded me of the stone sealing Jesus' burial tomb.

John 19: 38-42

These flowers reminded me of the joy Jesus' disciples eventually felt at finding the tomb empty after God raised Him from the dead. He is risen! He is risen, indeed!

John 20: 1-31