Ann, thank you for guiding us through Holy Week. It’s such a good practice as others have mentioned in the comments to deliberately walk through each day alongside Jesus.
Now it’s Wednesday. A quiet day. Well, it is in the Scriptures but there was still a lot of activity, some in public and some of it in secret.
A day Jesus’ enemies plot against him. We’ll get to that in a moment.
Jesus Teaches (Luke 21:37-38)
As he has done each day so far Jesus leaves Bethany to travel to Jerusalem to teach in the temple. Remember, there are millions of people in Jerusalem for the Passover Festival and Jesus is taking every opportunity to teach as many people as He can.
What do you think it would have been like in Jerusalem this week? I’m not good in crowds but the opportunity to hear Jesus would be something special, wouldn’t it?
Plotting to Kill Jesus (Matthew 26:3-5; Mark 14:1-2; Luke 22:1-2)
We’re told in Matthew that the leaders of the Sanhedrin are meeting at the home of their boss, the chief priest Caiaphas. They want to surprise Jesus by arresting him by stealth, so that there isn’t an uproar from the masses of people in the city.
The decision is made. But they must wait until the end of the Passover Festival which is tomorrow (Thursday) night. The crowds would leave the city on Friday so there’s less chance of a riot.
There is now an increasing sense of darkness in the city. The plot is hatched, they have their spy, Judas, and now they just wait for Thursday to be over.
I’ve always found it incredible that one of his followers would betray Jesus. I wonder if Judas wanted Jesus to be that messianic King who would take on the Romans and help the Israelites live a life of peace?
Judas challenges us to wonder if we have expectations of Jesus that maybe He doesn’t meet? Perhaps healing of a relative, rescuing a prodigal child, or salvation of our spouse? Why not take a moment to talk to Jesus about any hurts or disappointments you might have regarding any expectations you have of Him.
And now to Maundy Thursday we go.
Have a blessed Easter, dear SUMites. May I remind us to keep our eyes and hearts firmly focused on Jesus. He’s right here with us.
Rather than leaving you with a song as Ann has done this week, I thought I'd leave you with some reflections on this day from the pen of Ann Voskamp. I've been following Ann now for over 1o years and she has such a gentle soul for Jesus which I so admire. I trust you find Ann's words encouragement as we step into the next couple of tough days. Grace and peace, dear friends.
It's Ann here and I wanted to tell you about some special plans we have for next week -- Holy Week.
Next week we are going to take some time to honor Jesus by focusing on his final week on earth, his death and his resurrection.
Lynn, Ian, Tiffany, Amanda and I are going to take it in turns to write a devotional each day, and we'll walk through Holy Week together. Ian is going to kick us off on Monday, and we so hope you'll join us.
We're really looking forward to it. We all love this time of year, and it's a good chance to lift our eyes off our circumstances and onto this incredible LOVE story.
For God so loved the world that He gave his begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16, NKJV)
Many of you know we also have a Facebook group. That group is led by two wonderful SUMites, Gladys Arias Rosario and Barb Twigg. Well, several of the ladies in that group are going to do something special on Resurrection Sunday. They're each going to put a picture/photo on their own Facebook profile with the words 'Jesus belongs in my city'. They'll be a little creative, so no two posts will look the same. Once they're up if you'd like to take a look at these posts you can search for #Jesusinmycity, #Resurrectioninmycity and #SUM. And hey, if you feel like joining in and doing the same, please do!
Well, I will leave it there but we will see you on Monday, ready to journey through Holy Week.
This time of year is ever so special. It’s a time when we lift our eyes collectively to the cross of Jesus.
There’s such value in faith routines, and I know many of you have routines that you follow, year after year. For me, one treasured routine is to follow the events of Holy Week, day by day, across all four Gospels. That is, I read the events of Palm Sunday on Palm Sunday, Monday’s events on Monday, and so on.
It is a bit to keep up with as a busy Mum. But I find I always see something new, and I love comparing the different accounts across Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
In the back of my Bible, there’s a ‘Harmony of the Gospels’, a table showing how the Gospels align with each other. And so I make myself comfy and settle in for more reading than usual.
The Jewish calendar also comes in here, as Passover falls close to the Church's commemoration of Jesus's death and resurrection. This year, Passover evening is this Saturday night, the 27th of March.
The story of Passover in Exodus 12:1-28, where the Israelites killed a lamb and painted the blood on their doorposts, always pointed to Jesus. As John the Baptist cried out,
"Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the Sin of the World!" (John 1:29, ESV)
Jesus ate that lamb on the very day he was arrested and crucified -- Passover. I can't imagine how that would have felt: Eating the Passover lamb and knowing that he would be slaughtered in the same way.
Then, we have the Christian liturgy layered on top (Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and so on), showing how the Church has remembered these events for centuries. Together, what a rich picture.
With all that in mind, then, it's Holy Week here at SUM. And we are a church without walls. So, what we're going to do is have a little something each day on this blog, beginning with Palm Sunday. We might have a video or two, or a song. We'll see ... Most importantly, it's an opportunity for us to remember the crucifixion and resurrection all over again, and connect with each other as fellow Christians.
Do you have any routines that help you remember the cross at this time of year?
Okay, the last weapon we will cover is the name of Jesus.
His name can launch a war, seal the fate of nations, change the destiny of a thousand generations. His name can cast out legions of devils and free captives from the darkest depression. His name heals the blind and destroys cancer. His name can bring freedom, deliverance, new destinies and fortunes.
For an entire season of my life, I would mumble around whispering the name of Jesus. Over and over, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus. His name spoken aloud changes my heart and my home. Can I share something with you that is a peek into my life? Well, ahem, even today when I wake in the night and make a trip to the bathroom, without being aware, the name of Jesus still slips from my lips. “Jesus, I love you. Jesus, you are my King. Jesus, I adore you. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.”
Oh, that we would all have the name of Jesus continually tumbling from our lips.
Everything changed for me when I came to wrap my mind, heart and spirit around three passages of scripture and how Jesus is at the core.
And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. —Ephesians 2: 6-7
To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. — Colossians 1:27
For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. —Colossians 3:3
SUMite Nation, come to the truth and grips with these passages. Let them dwell in you and you in them. We are seated with Christ in heaven. Christ is IN US, the hope of glory. We are hidden in Christ in God.
Who could ever touch us if these are true?
Jesus, Prince of Peace
So I have a simple question for you, are these your truths? If you don’t know for sure, that’s okay. But I ask you to start speaking them frequently and regularly over your life and faith. Ask Jesus to reveal to you what these passages imply and how to draw from them to defeat your challenges, circumstances, struggles and your fears.
The weapons of our warfare: The Word of God, Worship, Blood of Jesus, The name of Jesus. And our offensive weapon is our Sword. And to write about the Sword, well that my friends, would take about ten years.
I hope this series encouraged you, equipped you, challenged you and took your further on your journey with Christ. I love you. Lynn
Post Script: I wrote this series a month ago and I find it so wonderful that it concludes just a few weeks prior to Easter. The next few weeks I'll be writing thoughts about Easter, Passover and our Beloved, Jesus. :) I would love to read your thoughts about our beloved Jesus. Talk to me in the comments by dearest brothers and sisters. I adore you.
You did it again! This amazing family on the web emailed and left comments for Heidi that will fill her blossom tree. THANK YOU. You wrote words of faith, hope and love.
THAT is what the family of God looks like. THAT is unity in Christ. You loved on this woman that you didn’t know. She will be forever touched by your kind words of love, prayers and scripture verses of encouragement.
I adore you!
As I’m typing I hear the Holy spirit whisper into my heart, “I’m so proud of the SUMite family. This nation, each person, is stronger than they think. They are mighty in deed and power. And their love reaches far past the darkness. THEY are the unlikely world changers. I love them with a fierce love.” —The Lord Almighty
My friends, Easter is next Sunday. Today, what I want to do is chat about Jesus. Today let’s give a love offering to Jesus. The Son of God. The redeemer of our lives. Who frees us from the demonic, heals our hearts, souls and illnesses. Jesus who gave us the keys to the Kingdom.
So, today on Palm Sunday. Share your favorite scripture passage, share your heart, testimony about how Jesus has change your life with faith, hope and love. I CAN’T wait to read the comments this week.
May the Lord bless you and keep you; May He make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; May He lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.
See you in the comments. Let’s make this praise-a-thon stir the heavenly host so that they join in. Watch for angels this week!!! Love you so much, Lynn
This week I’m departing from our Joshua and The Walls series. Today I want to share my thoughts and prayer about Passover. And on Friday, I’m sharing a glimpse I had of The Wedding of the Son of God and His Bride. (It’s way cool and perfect for Good Friday. Be sure to stop in then.)
What is Passover? Passover is a festival of freedom. It commemorates the Israelites’ Exodus from Egypt, and their transition from slavery to freedom. The main ritual of Passover is the Seder, which occurs on the first night.
As believers we know we are not under the Old Testament law. We are living in the age of grace because of the blood sacrifice of the Lamb of God, Christ Jesus. And as a person who loves God and ponders His ways and thoughts, I’m thinking that many of the ancient feasts and celebrations that He originated still hold meaning and expectation.
This year’s Passover holds significance to me personally. You see, since December I have been praying for many of you in this SUMite family. Many of you by name. And I mean ALL of you, even if you have never made any personal contact with me nor left your name in a comment. I have prayed for you.
And this is why.
Breakthrough is coming for many of you with THIS Passover.
At the end of last year many of my brothers and sisters in Christ were in the midst of enduring and trying to just survive tremendous spiritual warfare. Many of you have battled a life that seems to have run over you. Circumstances have left you defeated and bereft of hope. And you have been in this dark pit for months now. Many of you are specifically facing crippling financial stresses. There are many who are wrangling with overwhelming anxiety, dark depression, abusive spouses and heartbreak because of wondering children and a litany of other demonic tortures.
Well my friends, I’ve been praying for you. I’ve been contending for you. For months. I’ve sacrificed in the quiet of the early morning as I beseeched the God of the universe to silence the enemy and bring freedom to the many of you who are held captive and as prisoners of this life’s evils.
My prayers began in December and as I marched through January I began to hear the Lord tell me they will lift. There is a change, a shift, which is ordained of heaven that will happen at Passover.
THAT’S TOMORROW!
I’ve been praying for a breakthrough. A breakthrough for many. I’ve been contending for this shift over the home of _________________________ (insert your name because I’ve prayed it.) My breakthrough, although contended for in private and sacrificed in prayer, over the past months will also bring breakthrough to many others. MANY OTHERS.
THAT’S how our God’s Kingdom rolls!!!!!!
The honest prayers of one can bring breakthrough for hundreds. I earnestly believe this with all of my heart. So today my friends, if you need this breakthrough to move into a new season with the Lord, declare it now and out loud.
Father God, I receive this breakthrough on this day. This is the day that You Passover this earth and free me from the grips of the enemy. Lord, and free others from the terror of the evil one. Today, Lord, I receive my deliverance just as you delivered our ancestors long ago. You freed them from the tyranny of slavery and gave them a land flowing with milk and honey. Today, Lord, I too declare in front of the Kingdom of God my freedom day.
I will promise to seek you with all of my heart from this day forward. I make a new and lasting covenant to pursue you with a relentless hunger. I will also step out of my bondage and make it my life’s purpose to free others who are on the road behind me.
Today, I rebuke and break off any stronghold or bondage of the enemy that has kept me from stepping into my rightful inheritance as a child of the Most High God. And I slam the door shut on any lies I have believed that the devil has used to tell me anything that is not truth about myself and my circumstances.
Lord, My Holy God, I receive my freedom by the holy blood of the Passover Lamb, Jesus Christ, Your Son. And I will live all of my days from this day forward, pursuing peace, joy and love. I will choose to love you with my whole heart and spend the rest of my life loving people.
I declare and decree my deliverance, my future that is abundant, and ask today that you show me now where you have made my path straight that I may get on with bringing Your Kingdom to earth.
In the most powerful name in all creation and the heavenly realms, Jesus, The Christ. The Passover Lamb of God. AMEN.
I have contended for you. I absolutely believe many of you will begin to see hints of the freedom that has just been released upon your life today. My friends, now give thanks to our Papa, Jesus and the Dove for you are been released to receive your full inheritance. In Jesus name.
I love you. I will always contend for your lives, marriage and children. I will never stop standing in the gap when you are weak and unable. I am your friend and your prayer warrior. Your sister in Christ, Lynn
Rejoice in the Lord always! And
again, I say rejoice!
He IS risen!
I don't know about you, but that
reality makes me wanna party like a rock-star (a holy rock-star, of course!).
:-D
He is due worship and praise and
adulation beyond your wildest imaginations.
Give Him his due today, guys! :-)
Celebrate the miraculous truth that Christ lives!
Lord God,
I come before you with such
excitement! Such grateful, thankful, overwhelming excitement! My savior lives!
He lives! He rose up and left his grave clothes behind! He lives, so that we
can too. With You. For all eternity. We worship You, Holy One. We praise Your
mighty, matchless name! Thank you Lord that You gave us a sin-bearer and that
he willingly took the cup You placed before him. Oh Father we adore you! May we
take the spirit of Easter with us every day. May we daily live our lives in
remembrance of the sacrifice and in the great freedom of the new covenant of
grace. We thank you and we praise you Lord. In Christ's name. Amen.
On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.
While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead?
The Via Dolorosa (Latin for Way of Grief or Way of Suffering)
Friday
Early in the morning, Jesus was tried by the Sanhedrin, Pilate, Herod Antipas, and Pilate again. He was led to the cross and crucified at 9:00 a.m. and died at 3:00 p.m. and was buried later that day. Christ the Paschal Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7) died at the time when the Israelites were sacrificing their Passover lambs.
(Video is graphic but with truly remind us what Jesus suffered for our redemption
It's difficult to watch this let alone think Jesus walked this road for you..... for me....
Each day between now and Easter Sunday I will post a Chronological Look at the Passion Week. Remember to stop in here every morning, pause for five minutes, and think upon what is happening on this particular day nearly two thousand years ago. Reflect, pray, get out your Bible, and then add your thoughts here in the comments.
Look up scripture verses and share them. Write your prayers. Let’s bring to life again the week of Easter and thank Jesus for the most profound event to ever take place. His death and resurrection, which is the reason we have hope and a life.
Let’s get started:
Thursday
Jesus and His disciples prepared the Passover lamb, and they had their Passover meal in the Upper Room. Jesus shared powerful truth with His disciples and offered and intercessory prayer in their behalf. They arrived at the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus suffered in agony waiting what was to come. Later that night Jesus was betrayed and arrested. He was tried first by Annas and later by Caiaphas and other religious leaders.
What would it be like to sit in this room? To share this meal? To try to comprehend all the Jesus was sharing?
Whoa. I'm undone?
It's dark in the garden...... It's Thursday, but Sunday's comin'.
Each day between now and Easter Sunday I will post a Chronological Look at the Passion Week. Remember to stop in here every morning, pause for five minutes, and think upon what is happening on this particular day nearly two thousand years ago. Reflect, pray, get out your Bible, and then add your thoughts here in the comments.
Look up scripture verses and share them. Write your prayers. Let’s bring to life again the week of Easter and thank Jesus for the most profound event to ever take place. His death and resurrection, which is the reason we have hope and a life.
Let’s get started:
Wednesday
On the way to Jerusalem, the disciples saw the withered fig tree. At the temple in Jerusalem, Jesus' authority and wisdom was questioned by some religious leaders. That afternoon Jesus went to the Mount of Olives and delivered the Olivet Discourse. Two additional things occurred on that day: (1) Jesus predicted that in two days He would be crucified at the time of the Passover; and (2) Judas planned the betrayal of Christ with some religious leaders.
I'm fascinated by the mention and remention of the fig tree. After all the miracles recorded and witnessed by the disciples, why does the fig tree stand out to them and why is it referenced so prominently?
It's Wednesday and in two days he will be crucified..... It's Wednesday but Sunday's comin'.
Each day between now and Easter Sunday I will post a Chronological Look at the Passion Week. Remember to stop in here every morning, pause for five minutes, and think upon what is happening on this particular day nearly two thousand years ago. Reflect, pray, get out your Bible, and then add your thoughts here in the comments.
Look up scripture verses and share them. Write your prayers. Let’s bring to life again the week of Easter and thank Jesus for the most profound event to ever take place. His death and resurrection, which is the reason we have hope and a life.
Let’s get started:
Tuesday
On the way from Bethany to Jerusalem, Jesus cursed the fig tree, and He cleansed the temple in Jerusalem. Some religious leaders began to plot ways to kill him. That evening Jesus left Jerusalem, presumably returning to Bethany.
Okay, thoughts on this. Is it sometimes difficult to imagine Jesus getting really, really mad as in this scene? What would it be like if Jesus came into our church building/meeting today? Would He tear down, throw out and cleanse? Fascinating thoughts.
Last week a wonderful friend of mine, Kathryn, sent me a book, Christ in the Passover. I am enjoying learning how the Passover customs and practices are fulfilled in Christ. Every day this week we are intentionally focusing on the Passion Week of Christ and Passover.
Each day between now and Easter Sunday I will post a Chronological Look at the Passion Week. Remember to stop in here every morning, pause for five minutes, and think upon what is happening on this particular day nearly two thousand years ago. Reflect, pray, get out your Bible, and then add your thoughts here in the comments.
Look up scripture verses and share them. Write your prayers. Let’s bring to life again the week of Easter and thank Jesus for the most profound event to ever take place. His death and resurrection, which is the reason we have hope and a life.
Let’s get started:
Monday
The triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, followed by His visit to the temple, and His return to Bethany. It was Nisan 10, when the Passover lambs were selected. Likewise, the triumphal entry was the day when Christ presented Himself as Israel's Paschal Lamb.
….
Okay, what Is Nisan and Paschal? What do you think it would have been like to be on the road, so excited that you believe the promised King is coming that you throw your coat ont he road in front of Him? What are your thoughts today on the entry. Do you know what gate He entered the city and why. What does that have to do with the return of Christ. So much to talk about here.
What are your thoughts today? I can’t wait to listen in and share this week with you. Love and hugs, Lynn
I love my Jewish heritage. No, I wasn't born a Jew but the King, through Jesus, the Lamb of God, adopted me. The legacy of the Jewish customs especially the Passover enriches our Easter experience.
Last week a wonderful friend of mine, Kathryn, sent me a book, Christ in the Passover. I am enjoying learning how the Passover customs and practices are fulfilled in Christ. This week begins the Passion Week and Passover as well. So let’s be intentional and focus on the events of Christ.
Each day between now and next Sunday I will post a Chronological Look at the Passion Week. I want you to be part of this experience. Stop in here every morning, pause for five minutes, and think upon what is happening on this particular day nearly two thousand years ago. Reflect, pray, get out your Bible, and then add your thoughts here in the comments. Let’s bring our community together and chat about what impact this week has on you.
Look up scripture verses and share them. Write your prayers. Let’s bring to life again the week of Easter and thank Jesus for the most profound event to ever take place. His death and resurrection, which is the reason we have hope and a life.
Let’s get started:
Saturday & Sunday
Jesus drew near to Jerusalem, arriving at Bethany six days before Passover, which was the Saturday before the Passion. Jesus was anointed at Simon the leper’s house. On Sunday, there was a great crowd that came to Bethany to see Jesus.
….
Okay, what is the scripture that places Jesus and Simon’s? What are your thoughts about the crowd? How would it feel to be there? What prayers to you think Christ spoke? Would you have been mad or fearful, like the disciples that Jesus wanted to return to Jerusalem?
What are your thoughts today? I can’t wait to listen in and share this week with you. Love and hugs, Lynn
Wednesday, Two Days Before the Crucifixion
