It’s Passion Week

For many Christians this is an important week. For much of the history of the world, this is the same week that opened up much growth as the Christian movement worked to meet the Great Commission… Make Disciples of all Nations.

These seven days have been described as the most intense and important week of history.

The dramatic events that occurred during Christ’s final days on earth are recorded in all four gospels (Matthew 21; Mark 11; Luke 19; John 12).

What was in the Mind of Jesus, or even the thoughts of the Disciples?

• Palm Sunday: John 12:12–15— The only day of triumph known by Christ in His earthly ministry. A fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy (Zechariah 9:9).
  • Hosanna, as an original word, means, “Please, Save us!”. It is not a word of “adoration” as many believe, rather, it a cry for salvation!
  • On this day, many in the audience had no clue who Jesus was, and they asked. He was simply described as a prophet.
  • Many celebrated just because others were.
• The Lord’s Holy Anger:
  • At a fig tree that bore no fruit (Matthew 21:18–19).
  • At the moneychangers who were misusing the temple (Matthew 21:12, 13).
• The Last Supper: Matthew 26:26–28— Observed on Maundy Thursday.
  • The Foot Washing: John 13:1–10— An object lesson taught by Christ regarding the basic qualities of true discipleship: humility, purity, and servanthood.
  • The Song of Victory: Matthew 26:30— This last song was likely one of the imminent Hallel Psalms, Nos. 115-118.
• Gethsemane: Matthew 26:36–46— Three times Jesus prayed, while His disciples slept, “O Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as Thou wilt!”
• The Kiss of Betrayal: Mark 14:44; Luke 22:48— “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”
• The Perverted Trial: Matthew 27:11–26— Christ charged with blasphemy and sentenced to die as a criminal against Rome.
• The Crucifixion: Matthew 27:33–38— Most Christians believe He was crucified on what is now known as Good Friday. The church color for this day is black.

After all of this then, there’s the The Resurrection. Then, 40 days later, Pentecost. The seven days, leads to 49 days as preparation for the start of the Church!

If you celebrate this week, then you are honoring your Christian heritage. But if you are only celebrating your heritage this week, and around Christmas, then perhaps you are simply a fairweather Christian.

Here’s praying and hoping you are keeping your Christian heritage alive, growing, profitable, and teaching future generations.