04/05/2020
Today is Palm Sunday. It marks the beginning of Passion Week, or Holy Week, which was the final week of Jesus' earthly ministry leading up to his suffering, death and resurrection.
This week began with Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem and the "Hosannas" from the crowd that later turned to cries of "Crucify Him' before the week was over. You can read about Passion Week in all four gospels (Matthew 21, Mark 11, Luke 19 and John 12).
Consider this timeline...
Sunday
Jesus enters Jerusalem to the cheers of people lining the streets waving palm branches and shouting "Hosanna!"
Tuesday
Jesus is hanging out with Mary, Martha and Lazarus in Bethany while Judas bargains with the Jewish rulers to betray Jesus.
Thursday
Jesus eats the Passover meal with His disciples and later prays for His disciples in the garden of Gethsemane
Friday
Jesus is betrayed and arrested, questioned and condemned, denied by Peter, tried by Pilate and sentenced to death, mocked and crucified between two thieves, dies and is buried in a borrowed tomb.
Sunday
Jesus is raised from the dead.
Wow, what a week! How many of you have experienced similar highs and lows in your life? One day you're being cheered and applauded, and a few days later, you're being accused and condemned!
Just a few weeks ago you were going about life as usual, and now you are reading this confined to your homes, school is cancelled, because of COVID-19, until further notice and you miss your friends and family and you are powerless to do anything about it.
Times like these are hard. No one understands that more than Jesus. Trials come and go, but consider a few things from Passion Week that Jesus demonstrated.
1. Even though the entire city was a Jesus fan on Sunday, and cheering His name, by Friday, most of them were shouting "Crucify Him!" That's why Jesus was hanging out with Mary, Martha and Lazarus on Tuesday. Don't get caught up in Facebook likes and follows from fickle friends who will change their minds as your situation changes. Stick with the faithful few who will be there in good times and bad to help you get through.
2. Jesus was on this earth for a purpose, just like you. He had a job to do, a goal to accomplish. He knew he had enemies in Jerusalem, but he was not afraid of the power and malice of His enemies, nor did He hide or cower at the thought of their opinions of Him. He got on his c**t, and rode into town anyway.
3. Jesus knew suffering was ahead. You, too, will face tough days, but Jesus was not cast down or disquieted at the thoughts of his approaching sufferings. Nothing worthwhile will ever be easy, and understanding there will be difficulty in the process will help you keep going.
4. On Sunday, He rose from the dead. Tough times do not last forever, but the love of God does.
Be encouraged today and regardless of the day you're having, get on your horse and ride.
Have a blessed Passion week!
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