This week as we prepare for Easter it is interesting to break down each day and what occurred. I had never thought of this until our Sunday School teacher read off what happened each day for Jesus’ last days on earth. She encouraged us to think about what occurred on each day as we approach Easter Sunday.
Here is the breakdown of Jesus’ final week before resurrection Sunday:
- Palm Sunday – Jesus entered Jerusalem, riding on a donkey and was Hailed as the Messiah. People waved palm branches and praised Him shouting, “Hosanna”.
- Monday – Jesus cleansed the Temple, driving out the merchants and moneychangers. (“It is written, He said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it a den of robbers.'” Matthew 21:13 NIV)
- Tuesday – Jesus healed the blind and the lame that came to Him at the Temple. He taught and challenged the religious leaders once more which made them angry and ready to crucify Him.
- Wednesday – Jesus is betrayed by Judas Iscariot, as he agrees to hand Him over for 30 pieces of silver.
- Thursday – Jesus celebrated the Last Supper with His apostles, establishing the sacrament of communion (the Lord’s Supper). He is then arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane. (The church we attend now is the first church we’ve ever attended that celebrates Maundy Thursday. Maundy comes from the Latin word “mandatum”, meaning commandment. It refers to the commandment Jesus gave to His disciples at the Last Supper to “Love each other as I have loved you” John 15:12b NIV. At our church the taking of communion and the performance of our choir is a big part of the program.)
- Friday – Jesus is put on trial before Pilate and is crucified on the cross and buried in a tomb.
- Saturday – Jesus remains in the tomb as believers mourn His death.
- Easter Sunday – Jesus rises from the dead, fulfilling His promise to conquer death and offer to each of us the free gift of Salvation and eternal life, for those who choose to believe in Him.
Death by crucifixion was no easy matter for Jesus.
In the Garden of Gethsemane:
He told His disciples, Peter, James, and John, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” Matthew 26:38 NIV
He prayed…“My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Matthew 26:39 NIV
He prayed a second time, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may Your will be done.” Matthew 26:42 NIV
In Jesus hour of need the disciples fell asleep, and God did not rescue Him by taking away the punishment He would have to take on Himself for all OUR SINS. He knew what was coming. There seemed to be some hope in Him that there was another way, and He would not have to endure the torture. But in God’s plan for us… there was no other way. Jesus had to pay the price for OUR SINS, instead of being rescued and leaving us with no way to be reconciled to God.
I could cry every time I think of what He went through to make a way for us to be saved. The misery and torture, that He had just asked if it was God’s will… to please let Him not have to endure.
AND YET HE WENT THROUGH WITH IT FOR OUR SAKES.
WHAT LOVE!!!
After all was accomplished we read in Acts chapter 2 as Peter, who denied knowing Christ three times, preached a new message to the people… “The Lord said to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.’ ‘Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.’ When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’ Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, everyone of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off — for all whom the Lord our God will call.'” Acts 2: 34b-39 NIV
Is God calling you this week?
I pray that as you read this, if you are not already saved, you will make this Easter a special one to remember by accepting Jesus as your Savior.
If you are already saved, I pray that you will remember the LOVE that Jesus showed you by following through with God’s plan to save you and feel how deeply special you are to Your Heavenly Father. After all, He gave His Son for you.