Holy Week:
As you prepare for Easter and observe Holy Week, you can follow along through the week's events in these Scripture readings:
Palm Sunday: A Triumphant Entry- Mark 11:1–11
- On this day, Jesus entered the city “in triumph,” riding a donkey and listening to the cheers of the throngs of the Jews all around Him. His entry is met with the simplest gesture of celebration, gratitude, and welcome from ordinary people of whom He treasures. This story speaks richly to us about what God values. Jesus leads without pageantry. He is gentle, humble, and unpretentious. May we celebrate and welcome Jesus into our lives today in the same manner!
Monday: Jesus at the Temple - Mark 11:15–33
- The temple had evolved into a commercial enterprise with rules that restricted access to only certain people. After overturning many of the tables of the merchants and moneychangers, Jesus said,
“Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations ?
Jesus did not miss an opportunity to include those who were usually excluded. This means many of us who feel unworthy or excluded should be welcomed and act hospitable when we meet God’s people. You should feel welcome regardless of your background or history and extend that welcome to others.
Tuesday: Friends in Bethany - Mark 14:1–9
- While Jesus was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, Mary came and anointed Him with expensive perfume. It was a lavish gift, but more importantly, through her action, Mary showed her acceptance of the reality of Jesus’ impending death. Reflect on this. How can we also show our acceptance of Christ's death on the cross to take our place and erase our sins.
Wednesday: The Essence of Faithfulness - Mark 12:28–34
- During this week, Jesus taught for hours inside the Temple. When a teacher asked Him what was most important commandment, He replied, "
“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” (vs. 29-31)
God asks us for our undivided devotion, but He also asks us to love richly those who are around us. May we remember to love as Jesus loved.
Thursday: In the Upper Room - Mark 14:12–31
- Jesus had prepared a room where He and His disciples would meet and celebrate together. His final meal, eaten this night, is one of His best-known activities. We call it the Lord’s Supper. Foot washing was also a common practice—however it was one that was always done by a servant. By His action, Jesus clearly demonstrated a model of how His followers are to live.
“If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet” (John 13:14)
We, as Christ-followers, are to join Jesus in this work. “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you” (John 13:15 NIV). May we imitate Jesus’ service to others in our own lives.Good Friday: The Final Moments - Mark 14:32–15:47
- Have you ever wondered why Good Friday is called good? I have. So, I looked it up and this is what I read. "The Baltimore Catechism declares that Good Friday is called good because Christ, by His Death, "showed His great love for man, and purchased for him every blessing." Good, in this sense, means "holy," and indeed Good Friday is known as Holy and Great Friday. Many also refer to Good Friday as "Holy Friday".*source
Perhaps some of the most famous words Jesus spoke are those reported by Luke:
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34 ESV).
This is a fulfillment of His frequent teaching:
“I say to you, ‘Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you’” (Matthew 5:44 ESV).
On the cross, He forgave and loved even those who were hostile to Him and to those who crucified Him. He does the same for us. May we, as Christians, love our enemies as Jesus did. That Friday afternoon, Jesus “died and was buried.”
Saturday: It is finished! - John 19:30
- As Jesus died, He called out, “It is finished!” There was no further price to pay; sin had been atoned for. Some Christians recognize Holy Saturday, the seventh day of Holy Week, as the day on which Jesus “rested” from His work of providing salvation. After His crucifixion, Jesus was laid in a nearby tomb, and His body remained there the entirety of Holy Saturday. Jesus’ disciples and His family no doubt mourned tremendously because few believed His promise of resurrection. They thought this was the end, and they grieved deeply.
- Holy Saturday has traditionally been a time of reflection and waiting, the time of weeping that lasts for the night while awaiting the joy that comes in the morning (Psa 30:5). Some observe the "Easter Vigil", an evening service held in traditional Christian churches as the first official celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus. On this day, may we reflect on the final moments of Christ's death and the anticipation of His resurrection that is to come! *source
Easter Sunday: The Resurrection -
He is not here!!!
(I will be writing a separate post for this special final day of Holy week....
come on back to read that post next week!)
come on back to read that post next week!)
Until then, have a blessed week!!
Linking up at these blog hops:
Great way to reflect, read and pray during this Holy Week. This week always touches me deeply and causes me to learn more about myself and Jesus. It is a beautiful week for sure. Barbie and I are blessed you joined us at The Weekend Brew.
ReplyDeleteYes, Mary, I agree. There are so many touching Biblical events that took place during Holy Week! It is a moving reminder of why we worship and live out our lives for Jesus!! He is the Lamb of God!! May you have a blessed week!
DeleteAmen. I am doing a Holy Week series as well. :) Blessings to you for sharing the Word! Visiting from Hazel's this morning.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Nannette!
DeleteOur Pastor spoke Sunday about Jesus in the temple and suggested we are the temple and perhaps by the Holy spirit there are things in our lives that need to be thrown out. I enjoyed your week of day by day happenings leading up to the cross. I am so glad that the story is not finished! Only God's plan had completion there. Thank you for sharing with us here at Tell me a Story.
ReplyDeleteHmmmm...what an interesting perspective with this story. It's the only time in the Bible I really remember reading that Jesus got angry. I'm sure he gets angry when we put other things/people before Him, too. May we all be sensitive to that in our lives. Blessings, Hazel!
DeleteI know He had quite a wonderful and challenging stretch of time. And He's been in heaven for a long time and I look forward to being there and seeing Him and thanking Him. The timing of His birth and His death are a bit of a combination of confusion, but all that truly counts is focusing on Him day-by-day, forever. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteAment! I guess we really don't need to totally understand all of His ways in order to have faith in Him. He always provides! I look forward to that day, too!!
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