This Sunday, Palm Sunday, is the beginning of the Holy Week. Traditionally, this week is set apart by Christians around the world to observe Jesus’ last days before the Cross.
There is nothing holy about the week. Unlike festivals in the time of the Old Testament (such as Passover, Pentecost, Festival of Booths, etc.), there is no command from Scripture to observe Palm Sunday, Good Friday, or Easter. Paul told us not to bind the conscience of any brothers or sisters.
“One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord.” Romans 14:5-6
Whatever we do, we do unto our Lord. Although we do not have a direct mandate to observe the week of Jesus’ life, all four Gospels stress the importance of those seven days. The Gospel of John devotes ten chapters out of twenty-one to Jesus’ last days. Mark has six chapters out of sixteen, Matthew has eight out of twenty-eight, and Luke spends the last six of his twenty-four chapter of the Gospel to Jesus’ journey to the Cross.
We are living in an uncertain time. The days ahead may be the darkest some of us may face. Jesus was not living in uncertainty as He entered Jerusalem one last time. He orchestrated the events of the last week so that He could face darkness head-on. Jesus suffered. Our God does understand and He is ever ready to comfort.
“For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” Hebrews 2:17-18
Brothers and sisters, do not be tempted to despair, fear, or be anxious. Look to the Perfecter of our faith so that we may “let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:4
In the weeks of chaos to come, would you pause and ponder the greatest week of history, the journey of Jesus to the Cross. Those events of the Holy Week are rich with soul sustaining, heart elevating, and life clarifying vision. For the last two thousand years, Christians had feasted on the Gospel for its sustaining power. The darkest night is just before dawn. There is always a new morning and beginning. May your weary soul arise.
Consider reading through the Holy Week the Passion narratives from the four Gospels. Seek to quiet your heart, and pray that God will meet you in your week. Do not let the distressing news in our media be the static in the sweet sound of the Good News.
These are Passion passages:
Matthew 21–28
Mark 11–16
Luke 19–24
John 12–21