May each of you have the heart to conceive, the understanding to direct, and the hand to execute works that will leave the world a little better for your having been here. -- Ronald Reagan

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Holy Week at a Glance

 This is the essence of Holy Week, the week leading to Easter. Sometimes it’s helpful to break things down to the simplest element.

Tomorrow is Palm Sunday. This is the day Jesus enters Jerusalem, and palms were laid ahead of him. Tomorrow in church children will come in at the beginning of service waving palm fronds while the choir sings hosannas. This marks the beginning of a week that starts in triumph, enters darkness and death, and ends with the resurrection.   

Monday Jesus goes to the temple and creates a big scene.

Tuesday Jesus goes back to the temple and the Jewish leaders are really unhappy with him. They have a big debate and after being exposed as heartless hypocrites, they move from unhappy to really ticked off.

Wednesday Judas sets off his conspiracy to betray Jesus.

Thursday is known as ‘Maundy Thursday’. Jesus and the Disciples meet in an upper room for the Last Supper. Jesus is betrayed, captured and imprisoned. It’s the beginning of two dark days. Our church has a candle lit service in observance of this dark dark day, and communion is served in remembrance of the last supper and Him.

Friday is ‘Good Friday’. Jesus is taken before Pilate, condemned, tortured and crucified on the tree. That evening he’s put in the tomb.

Saturday Jesus lies in the tomb; it’s the Jewish Sabbath and all who knew Jesus are in deep sorrow and morning.

Sunday Christ is resurrected!

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