Holy Week

Holy Week Reflections by the Sea © Betsy Ore Glass March 28, 2012

The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna[ in the highest heaven!” When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” Matthew 21:6-11 NIV We are approaching the beginning of Holy Week which begins with Palm Sunday and ends on Easter Sunday. The significance of Palm Sunday celebrates the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, which was the week before He died and His resurrection. The Bible reveals that when Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey, which is a symbol of peace, the crowds greeted Him by waving palm branches, thereby the significance of calling it “Palm Sunday”. Almost immediately following this time of celebration in the ministry of Jesus, He begins His journey to the cross followed by the Resurrection which is celebrated on Easter Sunday. Many Christians will honor this time with reverence and by attending services to commemorate the week made holy by Jesus. No matter how each religious denomination honors these holy days, as Christians we are all unified with the knowledge of the love that Jesus has for us all. Reading the Book of Mark can offer a very concise timeline of Jesus’ life and resurrection. I know that I will pay more attention next week by being more prayerful, reading the Bible to follow Jesus’ last steps and walking my journey with gratitude for the gift of Jesus’ love. If you don’t regularly attend a church, just try it once and see what you think. If you do attend church, ask someone to come as your guest. There may be someone who wants to be invited so they can say yes to you and yes to God. Let’s glorify God and be mindful of Jesus in everything we do this coming week.