Passion Week

We are a day into Passion Week, which is the time from Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday. Palm Sunday kicks off the week as Jesus enters Jerusalem in the triumphant entry (Matt 21:1-11). Also included in Passion week is Holy Monday, where Jesus cleansed the temple (Matt 21:12-22). Then, there is Holy Tuesday. On this day, Jesus was issued various challenges by the Pharisees and Sadducees (Matt 21:23-23:39). Spy Wednesday happened during this week. Here Jesus was anointed with spikenard during a meal (Matt 26:6-13). However, it’s called Spy Wednesday because it’s the day Judas conspired with religious authorities to betray Jesus (Matt 26:14-16). The next day, Maundy Thursday, is when Jesus celebrated the Passover with the disciples, known as the Last Supper. Jesus instituted communion on this day (Lk 22:19-20) and washed His disciple’s feet (Jn 13:3-17). Maundy is derived from the Latin word for “command,” referring to Jesus’ command to love and serve one another.

Passion Week is so named because of the passion with which Jesus willingly went to the cross in order to pay for our sins. First, Jesus chose to endure torture at the hands of Roman soldiers. Then, He carried His cross through the streets of Jerusalem to be crucified. Finally, He died and was buried. Then, we have Holy Saturday, where Jesus “rested” from His work of providing salvation. As Jesus died, He called out, “It is finished!” There was no further price to pay; sin had been atoned for, and salvation delivered to all who receive Him as Savior.

Passion Week culminated on Easter Sunday, also known as Resurrection Sunday, because Jesus was resurrected (Matt 28). His resurrection is most worthy of being celebrated (see: 1 Cor 15). In fact, Christ’s resurrection should be celebrated every day, not just once a year. The reality of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead demonstrates that we can indeed be promised eternal life as we receive Him as Savior and Lord. Now, that’s worth celebrating.

As we find ourselves in Passion Week, it would be worth noting this week’s events. Of course, much more occurred than even I have mentioned. However, what is most noteworthy is God’s profound act of love. In John 3:16, we discover these words, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”

In John 3:16, we have the gospel in a nutshell. God gave His Son by sending Him into the world and by giving Him over to death. The good news is that “whoever believes in Him” has eternal life, which is life on a higher plane. The believer receives this life now and will enjoy it fully in the life to come, throughout eternity.

As we proceed through this week, keep in mind all that Christ willingly did and endured. Meditate on His love for you that was expressed on the cross. Consider the wonder and power demonstrated through His resurrection. He died for our sins and was raised for our salvation (Rom 4:25).

We have so much for which to be thankful. God does not merely say He loves us but demonstrated it by coming, living a perfect life, and dying on the cross. The loving sacrifice of Christ once and for all has paid for our sins.

We have so much to celebrate. We worship a risen Savior. He is preparing a place for us. He has given us the gift of His very Spirit that indwells us. We have life in Him today that will be thoroughly enjoyed as we enter into eternity with Him. In fact, to all who receive Him as Savior and Lord, this promise rings true, “He is with us always” (Matt 28:20). Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!