The Last Week

The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting,

   “Hosanna!”

   “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

   “Blessed is the king of Israel!” 

Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written:

“Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion;
   see, your king is coming,
   seated on a donkey’s colt.” (John 12:12-15)

Palm Sunday begins the last week of Jesus' life.  He humbly made a triumphal entrance into Jerusalem upon a donkey.  He chose a donkey as a sign that He came in peace, entering as the Prince of Peace.  In that time frame, a king riding in town on a horse portrayed a warlike mindset; a donkey portrayed a peaceful approach. 

Throughout the last week of Jesus' life, we see the prophecies of earlier Scripture revealed.  One example is shown here: riding into Jerusalem upon a donkey fulfills Zechariah 9:9.  The crowds welcomed Jesus by waving palm branches and singing from Psalm 118:26.  In that time frame, palms represented goodness and victory.  The crowd saw Jesus as their victorious leader who would overthrow the Romans.  They knew not what lay ahead for Jesus and the impact His death would have on the world. 

Jesus knew of the plan God had for Him.  He knew one week remained in life on Earth.  He knew death on the cross awaited Him.  The crowd knew not that this spiritual Messiah, son of God would wash away all sin.

As we begin this Holy Week, let us remember the journey Jesus made throughout this week of His life.  Read Scripture to understand the conversations He held, the actions He took and the faith portrayed with each day growing closer crucifixion.  He leaves Earth with powerful examples, words and love for all of mankind.  Not just those living at that time, but for all creation throughout every generation.  Just to clarify - that includes YOU.  He approached the cross, received the nails, took the beatings, hung in humiliation in order to wash away ALL sin.  He did this, went through the pain and suffering because He loved us.  Upon leaving this Earth, He spoke in love to all mankind, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."  He asked God, the Father, to forgive mankind for their stupidity, their sins and actions unpleasing to God.  This act portrays indescribable love. 

Yet, today, we find it hard to forgive our neighbor for the slightest wrongdoing.  Complaints cry out at the smallest discomfort of flesh.  If one segment of the day goes wrong, we crumble.  In the case that someone says mean words toward us; we spat back with the same intensity.  Anxiety consumes our thoughts, depression overtakes our actions and hatred keeps us stagnate in our relationship with our Father.  Let us remember the example set by Jesus in His last days to love one another, forgive one another, seek our Father the plan set before us and speak words pleasing to Him. 

Keep these words from the mouth of my little four year old on your hearts each day, "Jesus died on the cross for us.  He loves us."  She gets it!  Do we?  Don't allow trials of this world, actions from others or schemes from Satan let you forget.

God, thank you for another day.  Thank You for sending Jesus, Your only Son, to die for me and wash away my sins.  Help me remember with each trial I face that it compares in no way to the pain and suffering Jesus went through for me.  Help me persevere and stand firm on Your Word through every trial.  Keep Truth filling my thoughts and my eyes focused on my Eternal Home!  I know this life here is temporary, but while I am here I want to serve You, help build Your Kingdom and fulfill the plan for my life.  I was created to spread Truth and shine Your light.  I am ready to do so.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig