The week leading up to Easter is often busy with anticipation of celebrating spring, family get-togethers, and egg hunts. As the week unfolds, we live out the plan of our preparations. If we get too caught up in these activities we risk missing out on reflecting of the reason for the season.
Our lives often imitate the pattern of that first Holy Week, from Palm Sunday through Easter.
People praised Jesus with “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” on Palm Sunday, but by the end of the week they turned on him and shouted “Crucify Him!”
We celebrate with praise at the beginning of the week. But, as the week progresses, we can get caught up in the busyness of life. The joyful hosannas can slip away from our hearts. If we receive bad news or find ourselves in a tough situation, we doubt and wonder where God is in the midst of the struggle. Daily problems become our focus, instead of looking to the One who can guide us through the struggle.
God’s rescue plan for our souls unfolds in the midst of everyday life.
Jesus resolutely faced each day of Holy Week with purpose, unfolding the rescue plan for our souls. The Last Supper, betrayal, crucifixion, death, and resurrection were steps of love that brought about the new covenant, rescuing us for the grip of death. Because of God’s love for us, we could have an eternal relationship with him.
Every action of Jesus was a part of the greater rescue plan for redemption from our sin, securing victory for us over death.
Jesus faced the harshness of our sin to draw us back to God. In the darkest hours, Jesus knew the victory that was ahead. He persevered knowing that after His death, the third day—the resurrection—would come. Scripture encourages us to look to Jesus as an example.
…let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1b-2, NKJV
As you go through Holy Week, may your plan include time to focus on the rescue plan for our redemption. Be in awe of the power of God and keep praise on your lips!
Sherri Humpert
Thank you for your reflective words, Sister Nancy. I too feel that Holy week is such an opportunity for the deceiver to kill, steal and destroy the Believer’s hope, joy and assurance during the emotional roller coaster of the road which began with palm leaves and Hosannah to the Via Dolorosa and finally the Empty Tomb.