Better than a joke

Jesus, thank you for showing us how to really surprise people! Amen.

The people who hated Jesus said He was starting a war, so Jesus was arrested and brought to their rulers, Pilate and Herod. Both found Him "not guilty," but the people begged until Pilate let them take Jesus away to be killed. As He walked up the hill to be crucified, Jesus' followers cried because He was going to die, and even a thief crucified with Jesus said He was innocent. But a few hours later, Jesus cried, "Father, I put my spirit into your hands," and died. And then the people said, "This man did nothing wrong."

Today, April 1, is "April Fool's Day." It's a silly holiday when some people play practical jokes to make their friends laugh. If you find Silly String all over your chair today, it's probably an April Fool's Day joke!

Why talk about April Fool's Day when this week's Gospel (Luke 23:1-49) is so serious? The Gospel tells the long, terrible story of Jesus' being arrested, judged and crucified until He died.

In a way, April Fool's Day relates to this week's Gospel. Sometimes, people tell "tall tales" -- long stories or adventures that turn out differently than you'd expect.

The real-life story of Jesus is just like that! When Jesus' enemies decided to make sure He got killed, they thought they were getting rid of Him forever. They watched Jesus get beaten up, put on trial and finally nailed to a cross, and they saw Him die.

But just like a friend on April Fool's Day surprises you, Jesus shocked them all: His enemies couldn't get rid of Him. Even after He suffered and died, He came back to life on Easter, stronger than ever!

Better than any joke was the real surprise Jesus gave the world.