“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!” Matthew 23: 37 NKJV
Jesus loved the people of Jerusalem and longed to protect them. But they refused. Palm Sunday’s adoration by the masses accelerated animosity from the religious leaders. Within days, Jesus was arrested, falsely accused, and crucified.
Normally, we gather together to remember the events of Palm Sunday and Easter corporately with marvelous music, services of somber reflection, productions that dramatize this incredible story, and festive banners and flowers coupled with joyous alleluias.
Social distancing is disrupting our ability to get together physically. Should we just let Easter go by in silence? Or is the message of suffering and resurrection needed more this year than ever?
Many churches are doing their best to stay connected via virtual technology and drive-in services, but we still experience a need for participation and community. The stay-at-home directives turn the focus to families and neighbors to find creative ways to share the incredible truth of Easter within the home or in small groups where people can keep their distance.
Alpha Star Drama wants to help! Listen to audio previews and download Easter scripts for FREE at www.AlphaStarDrama.com. Invite family members or a few neighbors to get involved by reading or acting out one or more of the dramas to experience the story through the eyes of the Bible characters who are speaking. Talk about why they acted as they did. Discuss how you might have reacted if faced with similar circumstances. Look up the story in the Bible to get a broader view of what happened and why. Encourage one another to choose a character and role play the events. Ask God to help you gain a deeper understanding of what Easter is all about. In the process, you may build family bonds and a vital relationship with the risen Christ.
The global pandemic that’s engulfing us is scary. In The Jerusalem Post, Joel C. Rosenberg, former aide to several American and Israeli leaders, reports that “Millions of Americans say Coronavirus is a ‘wake-up call’ from God.”
Jesus’ grief over Jerusalem pointed to Calvary, but it was surrounded by His teaching about signs of His return and the end of the age. Let’s do whatever we can to help people understand Biblical truth and bring them to faith in Jesus Christ, the One who conquered death in order to give us eternal life.
