Passion Week

Interrupting the Weekly Alphabet Bible Study for an important announcement. I hope Y'all won't mind.

What is Passion Week? It's the time from Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday. It is so named because of the passion with which Jesus willingly went to the cross in order to pay for your sins. (Mine, too.)

Have you ever asked yourself what all happened in that week? Well, I did and this is what I discovered.

Before I begin, I want us to remember good old Zaccheus. He's the greedy tax collector that Jesus eats with just before Palm Sunday. People were angry that Jesus ate with ole Zacch but I think, sometimes, folks forget why Jesus came. By the end of their dinner, Jesus saves a soul that night. (Luke 19: 9-10)

                                     SUNDAY

We begin with Palm Sunday and the Trimphal Entry. Jesus rides triumphantly into Jerusalem on a donkey fulfilling an ancient prophecy. (Zechariah 9:9) The people welcome Him with chants of 'Hosanna.' Deep down, He knows, by week's end, their tune will change.

                                   MONDAY

Jesus returns to Jerusalem. On His way, He curses the fig-tree, a highly symbolic act. Explanation comes Tuesday. He then enters the Temple and chases out the corrupt money-changers. (Matthew 21:13) This shows His Messianic authority and fulfills another prophecy that implies the Messiah will appear there suddenly and take possession of it. (Malachi 3:1) On the way home, they see the withered fig tree.

                                    TUESDAY

On this day, Jesus personally confronts the authorities and defends His claim to be the Messiah. He pronounces a curse on the city, like He did the fig tree. Because the fig tree has leaves but bore no fruit, He cursed it. That is how Jesus describes the authorities. Like that tree, it was all for show. They had the look (leaves) but no fruit (faith). At the end of the day, Jesus gives the Olivet Discourse, a detailed prophesy about the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple due to the rejection of Jesus as Messiah.

                                     WEDNESDAY

Perhaps, this is a quiet day of rest and mediation for Jesus. Most scholars say it spends it with family and friends. I say He was getting His mind right.

                                      THURSDAY

Jesus celebrates Passover and has His Last Supper in the Upper Room. (Cue Mahalia Jackson). Jesus announces there is a betrayer. Jesus gives us communion. Peter faces humility. Jesus prays for a reprieve but knows His destiny. (Matthew 26:39)  His closest friends let Him down. (Matthew 26:41) Judas comes and seals the deal with a kiss. (Matthew 26: 48-49) And so it begins...

                                        FRIDAY

Bogus trials--four of them. His fifth is before the Roman governor, Pilate, finds no fault with Jesus, but the people...the people want justice. Pilate gives the people what they want but washes his hands of the matter. (Matthew 27:24) Now comes the flogging. Jesus suffers licks meant for us. Jesus endures humiliation meant for us. Still, He begs for our forgiveness. (Luke 23:34) Even in the midst of the greatest despair, Jesus saves another soul. (Luke 23: 39-43) The sky darkens. Scholars say it symbolizes the Father turning His back on the one He had once called My Beloved Son. During this time, Jesus experiences hell for us all. Hell is to be utterly forsaken by God. (Matthew 28:46) Since no man can take His life from Him, Jesus willingly lays it down for us. (John 10:18) That's when Jesus proclaims, "It is finished" and gives His spirit back to God. (Luke 23:46) Even His death saves a soul. (Matthew 27:54) At that moment, the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple splits in two; eliminating the separation between man and God forever. Now we can boldly and confidently into God's presence. (Ephesians 3:12) Hours later, Jesus is laid to rest in a borrowed tomb. More symbolism--because Jesus only needs it for a little while.

                                       SATURDAY

Jesus' body lies in its borrowed tomb. Scholars say He is in the depths of hell vying for our souls.

                                       SUNDAY

Early on Sunday morning, Mary Magdalene and 'em go to the tomb and find the stone rolled away. Jesus was gone. He has risen. All the prophesies had come to pass. His death justifies believers and His perfect righteousness is imputed to sinners. His sacrifice secures our salvation. And when Jesus returns to His Father, He promises to send us a Helper (Luke 24:49) and to be with us always--even unto the end of this world. (Matthew 28:20) 

A lot sure can happen in a week...

SA Brown