In an article I wrote earlier, I discussed the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on weddings in the US and around the world. Now, let’s think about the other end of the spectrum: its impact on funerals.
States and cities across the country have limited the number of participants at funerals, many to ten or less. As a result, some families are turning to technology such as live-streaming or Web platforms. Others are holding private funerals with plans to hold public memorial services weeks or months in the future.
Across four decades of pastoral experience, I can tell you this: the number of people who attend a funeral service has no bearing on the eternal significance of the life being celebrated. I have officiated at very large services for people who were only tangentially committed to their faith. I have also officiated at very small services for humble servants whose days were spent loving Jesus and loving others.
Their service emulated the Suffering Servant whose love has changed our lives.
Three reasons to serve others as Jesus served us
John 13 tells us that on Maundy Thursday, our Lord performed a shocking task: “He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him” (vv. 4–5).
This work was so menial that no Jew could be made to do it, not even a Jewish slave. What would prompt the King of kings to stoop to such depths?
Verse 3 explains verses 4 and 5: “Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God.”
Our Lord knew three facts about himself.
SOURCE: Christian Post, Jim Denison
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