Holy Week, the last week of Jesus’ life, began with praise, endured sorrow, and ended with glory.
“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest.” (Luke 19:38-39)
These were not proclamations by angels, but shouts of praise from ordinary people as Jesus rode through the crowd.
The sounds had barely faded as Jesus approached Jerusalem with solemnity. He wept (Luke 19:41).
Jesus walked through the events of Holy Week with love, obedience, and surrender.
Jesus taught with urgency and authority. He broke bread at the last Passover meal and spoke of new redemption. The disciples didn’t comprehend what was going on.
Swift events clicked off, setting redemption’s plan in motion.
Urgent prayer in Gethsemane brought agonizing sweat as He appealed to His Father.
“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”
Obedience, born out of love, followed.
The devious betrayal led to the arrest. A friend’s heartbreaking denial. Jesus’ identity interrogated.
“It is as you say.”
The unfair trial headed to rapid conviction for crucifixion.
Beaten, weary, and scorned, he took the cross to Golgotha with the burden of our sin.
“Father forgive them,” he prayed with each strike of the hammer.
“Into your hands I commit my spirit.”
Total surrender to redemption’s plan. His last breath exhaled.
The enemy of our souls claimed victory while Heaven was silent, or so it seemed.
What wondrous love was this?
On the third day grace shook the world.
The empty tomb proclaimed “He is not here! He is risen!”
Death no longer had the last word. Redemption and forgiveness are complete.
God’s love reaches to us when there is no hope and all seems lost.
Remembering Holy week leads us to give greater praise for the Savior.
Be amazed by His grace once more: the tomb is empty!
