“The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again. Then they remembered his words.” Luke 24:7-8
Holy Week began yesterday with Palm Sunday. Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem where the people shouted Hosanna and laid branches and their cloaks down for the donkey he rode to enter the city. It was a rag tag group with high expectations. I sometimes wonder what Jesus was thinking as he rode along. Knowing that what they wanted was a warrior king like David? Knowing that he would be crucified by the end of the week? Knowing that what he offered was so much more than they ever expected?
But Jesus did so much more that week. On Monday Jesus went to the Temple with his disciples and saw all the money changers there taking advantage to the people. Many of these individuals were poor and could not afford the additional costs they charged. Think of it in terms of going to a ball game or concert and buying a drink or hot dog for 5 times what it would cost anywhere else. Jesus was angry. You know it is okay to be angry. It is what we do with our anger that makes a difference between changing things for the better or inflicting more harm. Jesus’ anger points to the injustices in the Temple system that demand the sacrifices but insists that they can only be purchased in the Temple so they can charge more. A lot more.
On Tuesday, Jesus goes to the Mount of Olives where Jesus and his disciples will pass by the withered fig tree. Jesus will talk to the disciples about the importance of faith. I think this is good to understand because the disciples who have been taught by Jesus will fall away when Jesus needs them most. It can be hard to stay faithful when life is unkind. But that is when we need our faith the most. In times of desolation. When God seems distant to us even as God is standing right beside us. We are the ones who are unable to feel God’s presence in our lives and in those moments we have a choice…. leave the faith that nurtures our souls, or find someone whose faith we can lean on until this dry season passes. I prefer leaning and found it very beneficial many years ago when I was in a very dry season.
Scripture is silent about what Jesus was up to on Wednesday. Maybe he spent the day in prayer. Or resting for what was coming. Maybe it was spent having some fun with friends or visiting people he loved and cared about. We don’t know.
Thursday was Passover. Jesus would have a last meal with his disciples. He would wash their feet showing them the power of servant leadership. They would enjoy the Passover feast and Jesus would institute the sacrament we call communion. He would let then know that one in their midst would betray him and yet Jesus still ate with Judas, and I believe loved him even as he knew he would betray him. It would be in at the Mount of Olives where Judas would guide the soldiers who came to take Jesus away to the Sanhedrin where he would stand trial. A kangaroo court that was designed to find him guilty.
Friday. Known as Good Friday. The most difficult day of Holy Week. A day, for those who are part of a liturgical tradition, will have what is essentially a funeral service. Jesus will be tortured, beaten, nailed to a cross and left to die. He would be dead by 3pm. Leaving enough time to be buried before the Sabbath began at sundown.
Saturday, Jesus we in the tomb. People rested on the Sabbath. I wonder what his followers were thinking this day as they sat around thinking about the events that week that ended with the death of Jesus.
Resurrection Sunday. Easter. This is the culmination of Holy Week. Our Lenten journey of reflection is over. Today we celebrate all Jesus has done for everyone. His resurrection is announced by an angel, just as his birth was announced by angels. “Don’t be afraid! I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen.” WOW! Can you imagine being one of the women who heard these words. Something like this had never happened before or since. It would be hard to wrap your mind around. It would be easier to think someone came and stole the body! But…Jesus appeared at least five times on the day of his resurrection. Mary Magdalene was the first. He also appeared to Peter, the two disciples who were walking along the road to Emmaus and finally to all the disciples except Thomas who was elsewhere.
I would encourage you to be very mindful as you walk through this Holy Week. If you can, take advantage of the various worship opportunities. If you are not part of a liturgical tradition, go to a church that is and worship on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. Think about all Jesus did throughout this week when he lived on earth. Reflect on all his activities and what they mean to you.
Finally, on Easter be intentional about how you celebrate. Attend worship. But also spend time with family and friends as you remember all Jesus has done for you and every person ever.
Peace,
Pastor Beth
Beth's Blog 