Holy Week Pt 8.. He Is Risen...

Wow.. The past week has flown by. The Women have made preparations to take spices and prepare Jesus' body. Remember the Sabbath was about to start and the women had to wait till the first day of the week.

I'll bet the women took their time walking to the burial place. I know I wouldn't have been in any hurry to get there. All that blood and now they needed to bath their Master's body along with the other preparations using spices. No, I don't think they hurried to the tomb. I bet they walked a little slowly.  

I can't imagine their shock at finding the stone rolled away. they knew it had been there. Some of them were there when Joesph of Arimathia had placed the body in the tomb. They had seen the Stone rolled in place. I'm sure in the early morning they were hoping at least one of the Soldiers posted there could move the stone for them. 

*Luke 23:55-56

55As his body was taken away, the women from Galilee followed and saw the tomb where his body was placed. 56Then they went home and prepared spices and ointments to anoint his body. But by the time they were finished the Sabbath had begun, so they rested as required by the law.

Luke 24:1-12 NIV

The Resurrection

1But very early on Sunday morning^a the women went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. 2They found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. 3So they went in, but they didn’t find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4As they stood there puzzled, two men suddenly appeared to them, clothed in dazzling robes.

5The women were terrified and bowed with their faces to the ground. Then the men asked, “Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? 6He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what he told you back in Galilee, 7that the Son of Man^b must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again on the third day.”

8Then they remembered that he had said this. 9So they rushed back from the tomb to tell his eleven disciples—and everyone else—what had happened. 10It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and several other women who told the apostles what had happened. 11But the story sounded like nonsense to the men, so they didn’t believe it.12However, Peter jumped up and ran to the tomb to look. Stooping, he peered in and saw the empty linen wrappings; then he went home again, wondering what had happened.

I Can't imagine their shock as they saw that stone rolled away. I can just see Mary running inside. I'll bet their first thoughts were that someone had taken Their Lord in the night. How could they do such a thing.. But then 2 men suddenly appeared and asked why they were looking for the living among the dead "He isn't here! He is risen from the dead !...   

Could it be true? Really True, Jesus had risen from the dead. I'm sure they immediately remembered all the times Jesus has eluded to it. They hadn't really understood it then, but now, oh my, could it really be true..  

I love that these ladies Rushed back to the upper room. I bet a couple of them had all they could do to keep from running back. They told the disciples and they scoffed. They didn't believe it. Those poor women were so grief stricken that they were imagining things. Peter Jumped up and ran to the tomb to look for himself. He peeked inside and saw the empty linen wrappings. He walked back to that upper room wondering what had happened.. 

What had happened? Was it just the crazy talk Of some hysterical women. The body was gone. The stone had been moved. Peter did see it for himself. So what had happened. What if the women were right? What if Jesus had risen from the dead?  He had called the dead to life. They had seen him do it. Lazarus had walked out of his tomb still wrapped in the burial cloths. How was it possible. He was dead. Really dead. 

They would soon see Jesus for themselves. They would talk to Him. See his hands and feet, and know it was really their King. 

Jesus Appears to the Disciples  Luke 24: 35-49

35Then the two from Emmaus told their story of how Jesus had appeared to them as they were walking along the road, and how they had recognized him as he was breaking the bread. 36And just as they were telling about it, Jesus himself was suddenly standing there among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. 37But the whole group was startled and frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost!

38“Why are you frightened?” he asked. “Why are your hearts filled with doubt? 39Look at my hands. Look at my feet. You can see that it’s really me. Touch me and make sure that I am not a ghost, because ghosts don’t have bodies, as you see that I do.” 40As he spoke, he showed them his hands and his feet.

41Still they stood there in disbelief, filled with joy and wonder. Then he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?”42They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43and he ate it as they watched.

44Then he said, “When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. 46And he said, “Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day. 47It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations,^f beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’ 48You are witnesses of all these things.

49“And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.”

 Those things that Jesus had said came flooding back to the disciples. Jesus not only appeared to them, but to others also. He had finished the work His father God had given Him. He had paid the price. He had taken on the sin of the world. He had taken the wrath of His Father and bore it so that when we believed on Him and repented of our sin, We would no longer be condemned. 

The amazing thing about all this was that Jesus didn't die for just those who had gone before Him or for just those of that time. The promise of Salvation and Redemption was planned for all people who would come after Him. All of Mankind for all time. 

My prayer this Easter is that you know the freedom of that Salvation. That you have repented of your Sin, and that you've asked Christ to come into your life and be Lord/Boss over you. If you have never done this. You can do it right now right where you are. Yes, even reading this Blog post. Just talk right to God. just like you'd talk to a dear friend. Acknowledge your sin. Ask God to forgive you. Believe that Jesus died to take the punishment for you and your sin. that He rose again to conquer death and the grave. Tell God you want Jesus to come be the Lord of your life.  This sounds simple and may even sound a bit foolish to you. You may not even understand how all this works. You don't have to. just do it. Then find a Bible Believing Church. Tell folks what you've done. If you've been part of a Church go speak to your Pastor. Get involved in Bible study. Learn what God says in His word and how you can apply it to your everyday life.  

I'm praying for you. The Message of Holy Week is one of Amazing Grace, and Unfailing Love. Don't miss it.. Declare it with me Every day of your Life.. 

He is Risen...  

Holy Week pt. 7... I Will Trust God Even In The Silence..

It's the Sabbath. 

Jesus was crucified yesterday. Only the night before the disciples had shared a meal with him. Fear had kept most of them in hiding. I think most of them returned to the upper room. I'm sure there was no sleep. I'll bet some paced while others checked the windows and doors to see if a mob was coming for them. I can see a couple of the disciples retelling what they had seen at that awful place. Golgotha just the name was terrifying the skull. quite an appropriate name for the place where criminals were executed. 

I'm sure they remembered Jesus' words about leaving them and preparing a place for them. I bet even now His words were racing through their minds as they struggled to understand what all this meant. I can just see them praying for hours and asking the Father for direction. I'll bet the Silence was deafening.  
We have to remember they didn't have the Holy Spirit yet. There was no still small voice reassuring them that all was well. There was no Bible laying on the coffee table. No voice directing them what step to take next. No feelings of comfort or encouragement. Their world was dark but worst of all it was silent. 

I don't know about you, but I don't like silent. I like noise. We play the TV or radio all day just to have the noise. I loved the busyness and noise of the house when our Susan was still living at home. Nope I don't like silence, and I really don't like silence from God. I'm sure we've all experienced those times of Silence. I know of a few times when I've been praying for something and asking for direction, or confirmation, or even intervention, and all I hear is silence. 

God has taught me that's when I need to Trust Him. It's not easy, and it's definitely not fun. Waiting in silence. Yuck. This is the same thing the disciples were doing. Waiting in the Silence. 

It's the Sabbath, and that's good. No one will be thinking about them, not yet. they still have time to make plans to leave, but where would they go. Should they all just head for their respective homes? They had left parents and jobs. They had no money. Not enough to make a journey. Should they split up. What should they do. Silence. Maybe they would hear some news from the city soon. The women had made plans to go and prepare Jesus' body for burial. They hadn't had time on Friday. Maybe they could find out something that would be useful in their decision making. I bet they discussed this, and decided that no one would bother the women. 

So they waited, In the dark of that upper room. In the silence.  

Holy Week pt.6 The Crucifixion of Jesus

 Luke 23: 26-43  The Trial is over. The accusations have been made. The beatings are done, the sentence has been handed down, and it's Death, but don't think for a moment that the torture is over. 

There is no ease for those being crucified. I can't imagine anything more barbaric. I can't wrap my mind around it. I know that for me all those pretty images of Jesus on the cross, Jesus before Pilate, and Jesus walking behind Simon, the man who carried his cross, were to sterile. They never made me think for one moment how Bloody this whole ordeal was. when I watched Mel Gibson's movie " The Passion Of The Christ" (you can see an exert here.) I never realized the horror of that day. It's almost to much to comprehend. 

"He was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed."
Isa. 53:5

There were many things that happened after Jesus was nailed to the cross. There was the conversation with John to take care of his mother. Even with all that was going on Jesus wanted to make sure his mother was cared for. The guards gambled for his clothes. There were crowds of people still passing by the hill and watching the Crucifixion. There were 3 dying on that hill today. They were visible from the road. I can just imagine the insults and curses that were hurled at Jesus especially with the sign above his head reading "King of the Jews". 

One of the things that took place was a brief conversation between Jesus and the two thieves on the crosses on either side of him. Luke 23: 32-43. One of the men hurled insults at Jesus saying "Aren't you suppose to be the Messiah, save yourself and us." The other thief saw things a different way. 40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." 43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

I can relate to the second thief. I'm glad to know it's never to late ask God for forgiveness. Think about it. That thief didn't have to get perfect, buy a new suit and go to Church. He didn't have to do anything to get to Heaven other then have sorrow for his sin. I think that sorrow was also an acknowledgement of his sin and knowing he had a need for God's forgiveness. That was it. There was nothing else required. If there had been, Jesus couldn't have told him that Today, he would be with him. 

44 It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, 45 for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”[e] When he had said this, he breathed his last. 47 The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, “Surely this was a righteous man.” 48 When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away. 49 But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.

I can't imagine the pain, but I really think the most painful thing for Jesus was when His Father God turned away from Him. They were separated just like our sin separates us from God and keeps us from Heaven. There is so much more we could talk about here. You may have even heard sermons on the last words of Christ along with many other things. Even if you've only attended a Christian Church on Easter you have heard some of the same things discussed. 

Really when it's all said and done it all comes down to a couple of very basic things. The only plan of Salvation for mankind was to send Jesus to make the sacrifice for sin. Someone perfect had to take on the sin of all men for all time. The required sacrifice was to pay the penalty in Blood. The only way to purchase/Redeem mankind was for Jesus to die and be that sacrifice. He took our place so we could spend our Eternity with God.

50 Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man, 51 who had not consented to their decision and action. He came from the Judean town of Arimathea, and he himself was waiting for the kingdom of God. 52 Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body. 53 Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock, one in which no one had yet been laid. 54 It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin. 55 The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. 56 Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment. 

It was finished. Our Salvation was complete, But that's not what the disciples and the followers of Christ saw. No one understood all this yet. All they knew was that Jesus was dead. Their leader, Teacher, son, friend, confidant, healer, was dead. Their world really had come apart. They looked at the body of their Master and lost all hope. What now? They had no idea. I think the disciples headed back to that upper room. Plans needed to be made, 

but the Sabbath was about to begin. It was Friday. 

Holy Week pt. 5..The Sentence Is Death

 It's been a long night for Jesus and the disciples. Jesus has endured more questioning. he was even sent to see King Herod (Luke 23: 1-12) 

Herod was thrilled to see this Jesus, He'd heard about him and wanted to see him do a miracle. He wanted a show. He wanted proof that Jesus was who people said he was. He plied him with questions, but Jesus answered none of them. The Chief priests continued to accuse him, but Jesus said nothing. 

I can't tell you the number of times I've heard people say,"if there is a God, prove it".  they want a show. Maybe it's our culture. We want to be entertained. We like the show part. the big audacious costumes, bright lights, and some kind of super cool attraction. It seems the times and the cultures really make no difference. We want to be entertained. Herod wanted it. I can just hear him" oh come on Jesus, show me something. Here is water, turn it into wine. 

i had the album "Jesus Christ Superstar" growing up. One of my favorite songs was when Jesus went to see Herod. I love the verse " So if you are the Christ, the great Jesus Christ, prove to me that you're no fool, walk across my swimming pool". (you can here it here.)  wow, how many times have we asked for some kind of proof that Jesus is who he says he is ? Jesus said nothing. He did nothing. Herod quickly tired of him. Herod and his soldiers mocked Jesus. They placed a royal robe on him and sent him back to Pilate. 

Pilate called together the Chief priests, rulers and the people. He told them that he and Herod could find no reason to execute this man. He'd just have him whipped and let him go. The whole crowd in a demanding voice yelled "Crucify him, Crucify him. Finally after offering Jesus or Barabbas to the people. The people chose Barabbas, a murderer to go free. Pilate granted their wish and surrendered Jesus to their will.  (Luke 23: 13-25) 

As things had progressed during the night and into the early morning hours I think a few of Jesus' followers remained with the large crowd to see what was going to happen. I can see them trying to blend into the crowd, hanging back, not wanting anyone to see their faces so as to associate them with Jesus. I think the women may have tried to stay as close to the front of the crowd as they could get. Especially Mary, Jesus' mother. Her child was in real danger. I'm sure her memories wandered to that day the angel appeared and told her she would have a child. That his name would be Jesus and he would save his people from their sins. I imagine that she saw him now as that little boy running from his father's carpenter shop with something he'd just made with his dad. I'll bet she remembered the first miracle Jesus preformed at the wedding when the wine had run out and she asked for his help. I can't imagine his mom being anywhere but as close as she could get to him. I wonder if Jesus scanned the crowd to look for her. I'll bet he did. The son in him would do that. I'm sure he hoped she was not there. I'll bet he hoped one of his disciples had taken her away somewhere so she wouldn't have to watch the beatings or see the blood. I'll bet secretly though in his heart, when he saw his mom, he felt better. 

it's still early on Friday morning. Jesus knows that later today he will die. The plan was made long ago. The time to fulfill the promise of a Savior had come. The next few hours were going to be filled with torture and pain. He knew, and yet He stayed steadfast. He didn't beg for his life, he didn't demand an attorney. He didn't spit on the people who spit on him. I can just see him looking out at the crowd with love and forgiveness..  yes, it's still early on Friday morning and death will soon come. 

Holy Week Pt. 4 Betrayal And Judgement....

Jesus Arrested

47 While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” 49 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him.

So much had already happened this night. First the wonderful time of fellowship with his closest friends, his disciples. The ones who knew him best. The ones who lived with him, watched the miracles he preformed. The ones who asked the questions about his teachings and promised to always follow. 

Then the evening started to go wrong. The garden scene was disturbing. None of the disciples could stay awake to pray. Jesus was overwhelmed and troubled by something. The disciples didn't know what to make of it all. Then suddenly Judas, who had slipped away earlier in the evening when Jesus told him of his betrayal, appeared with a large crowd of men armed with clubs and swords. There were even a soldier or two in the mix. This couldn't be good. 

You see in verse 49 above that Judas went straight to Jesus and kissed him. Greeting him and calling him Teacher. This makes me want to smack him. I'm sure you want to smack him too. Jesus just looks at him. Verse 50 " 50 Jesus replied, "Do what you come for, friend".  I Can't imagine what was going through the mind of Judas or the disciples. Judas was probably still trying to figure out how Jesus knew what he was doing. One of the disciples ( I seem to recall it was Peter) drew his sword and cut off the ear of the servant to the High Priest. (verse 51) Jesus tells the disciple to put his sword away. Things were happening just as they should. (verse 52-56) all these things took place so that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples fled. (Verse 56) 

Well there go the faithful followers. Jesus is left high and dry. Those good buddies of his hit the road the minute things got a little dicey. I could sit here and talk about how I would never leave Jesus, or renounce him, or betray him. Even Peter "the rock" ran. Peter, the one that swore he would stay. Gone like the wind. John, the beloved disciple Fled. Guess what.. I don't think It would take a mob or a couple of soldiers to have my feet running anywhere away from there.   

The crowd and soldiers take Jesus away. There is a bit of discussion at several places that night about who had jurisdiction over Jesus and if his crimes were against Rome. The Sanhedrin and Caiaphas wanted to find evidence that Jesus should be put to death. Many falsely accused Jesus. But no evidence was found. They finally asked Jesus if He was the son of God.. He replied " you have said so".. 

other charges were leveled. Verses 57-67..  Jesus was found worthy of Death.. they then spit in his face, slapped him, and struck him with their fists. 

In verses 69-75.. We see Peter on the scene. He has snuck into the courtyard. Someone recognizes him and asks if he was a follower of Jesus. We know what happens next. Peter denies knowing him. He denies 3 times just as Jesus told him he would. Peter leaves and weeps bitterly over what he has done. 

I like Peter. He was always in the middle of whatever was going on. As we see Peter's heart break over the denial we also see the tears of sorrow and remorse. I know those prayers asking forgiveness were not mere words but came truly from a heart broken over his sin.   

The hour is late. In the early morning Jesus will be taken to appear before Pilate the Roman Governor. The disciples are hiding in that same upper room they had just been celebrating in. I'll bet they barricaded the door. I know I would have. I can only imagine the crying and praying that is going on. What should they do. Should they try to leave the city. Should they wait and attempt a rescue of Jesus. How did this happen. Everything was going so great. The entire city had just welcomed them a few short days ago. Everything was coming apart. Nothing made sense.  

And now Friday is coming.... 

Holy Week Pt 3. The Garden Awaits...

Matthew 26:30
"30 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives."
   I love this verse. Jesus sang. I'm not sure what they sang. It could have been the Lord's prayer, or some other song that was traditionally sung during Passover. With all that was yet to come Jesus sang. I believe it lifted not only his heart but those of the disciples. They were soon going to need that encouragement. 

 "39 Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him."  Luke 22:39 NIV 
     From this verse it seem like this wasn't anything new for Jesus. I don't know if it was his usual practice only at passover, or if it was his usual practice when he was in Jerusalem. Either way Jesus and his disciples set out heading for the Mt. of Olives. 

The garden they would come to was at the base of the mt. Again I try to envision this walk. I don't know if it was just down the road from where the group had celebrated the passover meal, or if it was a long enough walk to settle the food in their stomachs and give them a bit of exercise. Did the disciples talk among themselves? I think so. I think Jesus was silent on the walk. Already in prayer with his Father about all that was being set into motion. I imagine his thoughts were deep, and he was silent. 

We know from the Bible accounts that Jesus told a few of the disciples to sit and pray. He specifically said for them to pray that they wouldn't fall into temptation. He already knew the temptations of that night and the days ahead that they would all face. He wanted them to be ready. Then we walked a little farther.. 

Matthew 26:36-38  "37 He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”  

I like to poo poo the disciples who couldn't stay wake to pray with Jesus when he was so obviously hurting and troubled. Then I think I would have been just like them. How many times have I seen someone burdened with something and turned the other way so I could avoid them. How many times have I said "sure I'll pray for you about that"  and never thought of them or the request again. Way to many times.  

39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”

I don't know about you, but I try not to sweat. I've done a lot of it outside in the summer in the vegetable garden, and working in our yard in Ky. I have never been so focused on anything that I sweat large drops of water let alone blood. Jesus did some earnest praying that day. Praying that there could be another way of Salvation for mankind. Praying that he could endure what was to come. Praying not my will but your will. I could stay here and talk about this all day.. but time is moving and there is more to come on this night.

40 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. 41 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

42 He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”

43 When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. 44 So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.

45 Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!” 

Matthew 26: 40-46 NIV 

Holy Week - 2. The Last Supper

As I continue to think about the last week of Christ I am drawn to that last supper. The actual Passover meal that would be celebrated again this year as in the past. We know Jesus' ministry lasted about 3 yrs.  I'm no Bible scholar, but I'm guessing that these same 12 disciples had celebrated that Passover 2 times previously. 

The Bible tells us that Jesus sent the disciples out into Jerusalem to make preparations for the meal. (Luke 22: 7-23) I can almost see them getting ready to celebrate yet another Passover with "The Master". Looking for that perfect place for the dinner. We know Jesus sent them to find a certain man who would have a private upper room that would be prepared for them. 

 I can just imagine them making sure the food was purchased and double checking that the good plates were used, and that someone to clean up was hired. I wonder if a couple of them were sent out to the "Store" to choose the wine, and make sure the best Passover bread was purchased. 

This photo comes from the center for Judaic studies and shows what the Passover table would have looked like 

you can see more here.

Only Jesus knew this Passover meal would be different, special, and remembered by all Believers for all the generations to come. I believe Jesus already knew the conversations that would take place. The way His disciples would lean in to hear Him speak about His body and blood, and the mention of a new covenant. 

I can only imagine the questioning looks as Jesus reveals that He knows that He is about to be betrayed by Judas, and how it broke his heart to know one of his closest friends had plotted with his enemies and it would lead to his death. Talk about the betrayal of a friend. Jesus knew that pain well.

One of my favorite parts is that Jesus takes time before the meal starts to wash his disciples' feet. I think that maybe a servant had been dispatched by the owner of the house to do this task. I can just see Jesus telling him "I've got this covered" and sending him back to his master. Then Jesus, the very Son of God. removed his robe, girded his loins, took the bowl and the water and washed the feet of his beloved disciples. 

I don't know about you, but I wouldn't have wanted to wash any of those feet. As I said I'm not a Bible scholar, I may have the timing of this off, but I know feet. Feet aren't pretty. They tend to stink and look all yukky. Back in those days I just imagine that those feet were covered by well worn sandals. Those feet were dirty, maybe even filthy just like our sin filled hearts. I would have been one who begged Jesus to just "skip it". I'll do my own feet washing thank you. 

I know that Jesus would have told me like he did Peter. "Unless I wash you, you have no part of me." *John 13: 1-17 NIV

 (Unless Jesus washes us in his blood, we haven't got clean hearts. Jesus has to wash us, or we remain filthy.) 

When my papa was spending his last days on this earth I washed his feet. His precious feet. Bent from years of work. Tired and worn. When I did that God showed me just a bit of how Jesus felt washing those feet. He did for us what we could not do for ourselves. 

The time is passing quickly now. Judas has left. The meal has come to an end. They are heading to the garden. 

Luke 22: 1-23 NIV   

Holy Week -1 The Triumphant Entry Into Jerusalem

During Holy week I like to reflect each day on what Jesus faced his last week. The past couple of days I've thought about how his disciples must have felt at Christ's triumphant entry into the city of Jerusalem just a few short days ago. The crowds cheered for him, Welcomed him, and exalted him. 

Jesus knew how the tide would quickly turn. How those faces that loved him would soon hate him, spit on him, jeer him, and ultimately demand his death on the cross. Jesus knew and yet He continued to walk on through the preparations of the week. 
I imagine He continued to Teach and heal. I also think he may have spent a little extra time with His disciples/friends. The time was quickly coming when all would abandon Him. 

His love placed him on the Donkey to enter Jerusalem as the scripture prophesied. 
His love for us would soon face his persecutors. 
His Love for us would soon lead to His blood being spilled as He was crucified to cover all of mankind's Sin. 
Then 3 days later He would Rise and all that was written in the Heart of God for the Salvation of all mankind would be fulfilled.
Soon He will celebrate the Passover with His disciples. Friday is coming..

Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people.
- Hebrews 2:17 (NLT)