11 Comments
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Harlan Young's avatar

Jonathan, I needed several pauses reading this today. Thank you for the details and honesty. Writing is your gift and we gain from it immensely.

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Jonathan McLernon's avatar

Thank you Harlan! 🙏 I’m grateful to hear it was impactful for you.

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Edith Garcelon's avatar

"so they would not defile themselves!" I must remind myself that this is my (our) default position: self-preservation. But Jesus showed us the power in surrender. Still. Today. Thank you, Jonathan. A vital exercise in bearing witness, acknowledging His Kingship.

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Jonathan McLernon's avatar

thank you Edith! 🙏💔 It was a tough article to write, but I'm glad it could be meaningful.

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Julie C's avatar

Oh, that was a beautiful brutal read. What a Savior we have!

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Jonathan McLernon's avatar

Thank you Julie! 🙏😭💔 I cried many times writing this. It really did leave a mark, and I couldn't have anticipated how it would have affected me.

I started out thinking I just wanted to honor him and share the story, but the more I wrote, the more depth I uncovered, and at times I just had to stop and linger in the moment.

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Julie C's avatar

I have always avoided and not really liked reading the death of Christ scriptures, it is just way too painful. I would much rather focus on the Resurrection, but you are right to say that we should read it and face it.

It not only puts in a perspective our own suffering, but remind us what an incredible price he paid to make us his own.

If there ever was love, this was it! It’s no wonder the disciples, after seeing this, were willing to lay down their lives for the sake of the gospel.

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Philip's avatar

At the Easter time frame I have been reading these accounts in the gospels, you sum it up and tie it together so good. The problem i am having now is hearing from some ( i think because of betrayal) are doubting the accuracy of the gospels, the stories in the OT and some even saying "was there a Jesus ". I find those disturbing but writings help clear things up.

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Laura Morton's avatar

Wow - I am crushed by this - sobbing so many times. Thank you 🙏🏽 💜

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Marie-Claude Brisson's avatar

As someone rediscovering my faith in Christ, I appreciate more than ever the sacrifices and suffering endured by Jesus. I also love how He professed love and kindness to all, regardless of their actions toward Him. Thank you Jon for bringing me closer to Him through your articles. 🙏🏻🤍

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Jonathan McLernon's avatar

Thank you Marie-Claude! 🙏😊 I'm so glad that you could find deeper meaning, and that my writing points you to Jesus

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