The life and ministry of Christ Jesus, His suffering and death and the glorious resurrection and ascension of God’s Son and our Savior takes the center stage of human history. This is our claim. This is our boast. If it is true, as I believe it to be, then the week from Palm Sunday to Easter ought to be the focus of every believer. While some parts of Holy Week confront us with the unpleasant realities of sin and death and with Jesus’ pain and suffering, all were necessary to bring us freedom and life. Rather than avoid His journey through the week, let us join His triumphant procession, gather at His last Supper, face His passion, grieve at His tomb and celebrate His victory.
Plan to receive Christ Jesus in His triumphant entry into Jerusalem, joining His procession (by following the processional cross and the choir), singing Hosannas, waving palm fronds, and laying them before the altar in His honor on Palm Sunday.
Plan as well to gather with God’s people on Maundy Thursday evening as we receive the Lord’s Supper in joy and wonder “on the night of His betrayal” and in solemn contemplation of Psalm 22 watch the altar be stripped.
Save Good Friday evening for a modified Tre Ore service to listen for and ponder the seven last words of Christ Jesus on the Cross. Finally, the Lenten fast ends with a glorious Easter celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
We have the opportunity to bring the central truth of God’s interaction with this dying world, the truth of Christ Jesus, His sufferings, crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection into the center of our own lives, in part by walking with Him through Holy Week. Please join Him on the journey from Palm Sunday (April 10 8:30am and 11:00am) to Maundy Thursday (April 14 at 7:00pm), to Good Friday (April 15 at 7:00pm) and arriving Resurrection Day (April 17 at 8:30am 11:00am).
