My Body Broken: Poetic Reflections for Holy Week (part 1)

I had never thought of it like that before. I had long treasured the story of Holy Week but had never before conceived the significance of juxtaposing the events of the week with Jesus' own words prior.

I wrote this poem as a script to be read aloud by two alternating voices. Consider reading it at your church's upcoming Good Friday service, out loud at a small group gathering during guided reflection, or pondering it alone with your journal.

I pray you are as deeply moved as I was in reflecting upon the story in this creative light.

✍🏽 The City Shook

Esther Yoder

Narrator	Jesus
The city shook as Jesus entered Jerusalem that day. “Hosanna” they shouted, revering the Ruler’s arrival. But the Son of David saw through the short-lived praise.
	“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem,”
The Wonderful Counselor wept.
	“The city that kills the prophets sent to it,”
His heart turned tender within Him as He took in the sight of the territory He treasured.
	“How often I would have gathered you,”
He longingly offered up His lament.
	“But you were not willing.”
Days passed and the time came to gather the twelve around the table, the traitor and the true together.
	“Earnestly have I desired to share this meal with you,”
The Everlasting One expressed, knowing full well the events about to ensue. Then, gathering the group, He guided them to the Garden of Gethsemane.
	“Watch and pray with me,”
He supplicated; His soul sorrowful unto death.
	“If it be possible, I pray this cup pass from me,”
Christ cried out for consolation.
	“Yet not as I will but as You will,”
He courageously confirmed His commitment to the cross. Stressed and strained, the Savior sweat blood while stating His single pursuit.
	“Father, glorify Your Name.”
Suddenly, the stillness of the night was severed by swords and shouts.
	“My betrayer is at hand.”
And just like that, the Good Shepherd was greeted with a kiss and given over to the guards. Profound pain pierced the Prince of Peace as He looked upon the person performing such an act of betrayal.
	“Friend, do what you came to do,”
Said the Lamb, locking eyes with one He loved. He called him friend. (Pause) In a matter of moments, a murderer is released; the Messiah condemned. Betrayed, beaten, and bound.
	“This is my body, broken for you.”
Stripped, scourged, and shamed.
	“For their sake, I consecrate Myself.”
Scoffed at, spit on, slapped, and struck with a reed.
	“As I have loved you so you ought to love one another.”
Falsely accused, flogged, forsaken, and forced to carry His cross.
	“Father forgive them.”
Disowned, dismissed, and despised.
	“My desire is that they would be one just as we are one.”
Declared guilty and delivered over to death.
	“For this purpose, I have come to this hour.”
“Away with this man!” “Crucify Him!” “What evil has He done?” “Crucify Him!”
	“No one takes my life from me, but I lay it down.”
Nailed to a cross and mockingly hailed as King of the Jews.
	“When I am lifted up, I will draw all men to myself.”
Categorized with criminals, the Creator hung there on a cross.
	“Today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
Then, with head bowed and spirit surrendered,
	“Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.”
The city shook that hour as the Giver of Life gave up His life. The temple curtain tore in two.
	“It is finished,”
The expression echoed into the expanse. The Living Cornerstone laid lifeless behind a stone. But not for long. For the city shook one final time that morning the Savior rose from the dead. His resurrected life repeats the truth,
	“Because I live, you also shall live.”

*Note: References to the city shaking can be found in

• Matthew 21:10 (The Triumphal Entry)

• Matthew 27:50-51 (The Crucifixion)

• Matthew 28:1-2 (The Resurrection)
  

Be sure to check back next Monday for Part Two of our mini-series: Poetic Reflections on Holy Week. In next week's entry, I'll share vulnerably about my struggle to comprehend the love of God and the poem that finally broke me.