Today is Friday the 13th, the day of bad luck. The number 13 had been considered unlucky for ages and this superstition had its origins on the night of Jesus’ last pizza.
There were 13 men gathered for a dinner party that night and the following day one of them was stapled to a cross after being tried and tortured – unlucky for Him. This is why it is considered bad luck to have 13 people at a dinner party – (it is thought to be sure death for the last one seated). This by the way, is why you wait for everyone to be seated at the same time for dinner. This is why many buildings don’t number the floor above floor #12 with the number 13. This is why ancient sailors didn’t start a voyage on the 13th of the month (you’ll be surely doomed, like Jesus). Friday the 13th creates dread fear for some people; this phobia even has a clinical name: paraskavedekatriaphobia.
I say horse-pucky - 13 is not an unlucky number. Jesus didn’t have a day of misfortune after his pizza for 13 dinner party. Luck didn’t play in at all, Jesus was in control of the situation; He came for those hours following the last supper. Listen to His own words regarding the events following the final dinner party.
The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life-only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father." John 10:17-18 (from New International Version)"Do you refuse to speak to me?" Pilate said. "Don't you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?" 11 Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. John 19:10 (from New International Version)
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Mark 10:45 (from New International Version)
I have a boyhood memory of Jesus on velvet…When I was a about 9 or 10 I was in Tijuana, Mexico shopping and sight seeing with my family. I remember seeing donkeys painted like zebras. I remember seeing paintings of naked women holding hypodermic needles. I remember seeing several velvet paintings of Jesus there - He looked, unlucky. Jesus was bloody and hung limp from the cross, He looked beaten and forlorn, sad and weak. The images are still seared in my mind. As I’ve read His Story though I’ve come to know the theology of Mexican Velvet Paintings is wrong, the cross was Jesus’ Triumph.
Paul the Apostle yells out:
…having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. Colossians 2:15 (from New International Version)
Jesus the Christ was large and in charge the number 13 not withstanding. He is still in charge today too, so have a lucky day.
On The iPod: Japan - Tin Drum
