Holy Passion Week by Pastor Scott
Holy Passion Week – walking with Jesus during His final week: watch, wonder & worship
The word “Holy” means dedicated or consecrated or set apart to God for a specific purpose as sacred. Jesus came and set apart His life for a very specific God-given purpose: “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days He will rise… and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Mark 9:31 & 10:45).
The word “Passion” comes from the Latin word, “passio” meaning “to endure or to suffer” – this is the week that we reflect on the loving sacrifice & suffering of Jesus to endure the cross and rescue us from sin & death! “But God demonstrates His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us”(Romans 5:8).
What will we “set apart” this week to devote ourselves to watch, wonder and to worship Jesus?
Palm Sunday – this past Lord’s Day we had a very energetic time of worship as we remembered the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. This occurred only days before Jesus would be betrayed and crucified. The palm branch waving crowd celebrated and shouted His praise. The curious observers weren’t sure what was happening. As Matthew wrote: “When [Jesus] had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, ‘Who is this?’ They answered, this is Jesus…” Matthew 21:10-11 -Rescuing King
“Who is this?” was a first-century Jerusalem question that is still relevant and asked today. Who do you say?
Watchful Wednesday – this is a term that I prefer to give to the Wednesday of Holy Week; others refer to it as “preparation day” and some as “spy Wednesday” because of the plot of the High Priest and authorities to kill Jesus and Lazarus. Many teach that Wednesday was a day of rest for Jesus, as he returned to rest in Bethany at the home of Martha, Mary & Lazarus.
“The chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and putting their faith in Him [Jesus].” John 12:10-11
Maundy Thursday – the word “Maundy” comes from the Latin word for “command” and points to the command Jesus gave to his disciples at the Last Supper that they should love and serve one another. On this day, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples and broke bread with them for the last time; the broken bread and the cup they shared represented the body and blood of Christ.
We will celebrate this supper of remembrance together on Thursday at 6:30
“I have set for you an example that you should do as I have done for you. A new command I give to you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:15, 34 –Rescuing Servant
Good Friday – at the evening meal Jesus predicted that He would be abandoned, betrayed and denied by his closest followers. After the meal, the disciples accompanied Jesus to the Garden at Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed in agony & later was arrested.
The day Jesus was crucified was not a “good day” but it was very good for those who acknowledge their need for a Savior.
On Friday night (7PM) we will reflect on the suffering of Jesus and remember His sacrifice on the cross.
“The soldiers took charge of Jesus. Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (called Golgotha). Here they crucified him, and with two others-one on each side and Jesus in the middle. … When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” John 19:17-18, 30 –Rescuing Savior
Silent Saturday – the day of waiting, silence and sorrow; Jesus was laid and sealed in a tomb, his body rested in a rich man’s tomb (Joseph of Arimathea), fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 53:9. His body was placed in a tomb as preparation for the Sabbath began.
“Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation (Friday) & since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.” John 19:42
Even though our church property and commons will be filled with excited children (not very silent) a message of preparing for resurrection story will be shared. Will we choose to be bystanders in the crowd to believers proclaiming the risen Christ?
Resurrection Sunday – the day of victory began with an empty tomb, defeat, disbelief & doubts turned into awesome worship!
“Peace be with you! … Stop doubting and believe. …blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed …Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” John 20:1, 19, 26, 29, 31
Who is it that you are looking for? Why do you look for the living among the dead?
The rescuing King became a rescuing Servant & Savior
He is the resurrected rescuing Lord of Life – believe for it!
