We are now in the midst of Holy Week, traditionally the epicenter of the Christian calendar.
The tradition of Holy Week began when Christians making pilgrimages to Jerusalem had an overwhelming desire to re-enact the last moments and scenes of the life of Christ in dramatic presentations. There is an ancient text called The Pilgrimage of Egeria which describes a fourth century visit to Jerusalem. It was noted that people were already observing Holy Week by this point in history, so it dates back many, many centuries.
There are five days in this week that are set apart: It began this past weekend with Palm Sunday, and includes Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday.
Maundy Thursday denotes when Jesus washed the disciples' feet during what is known as the Last Supper on the night He was betrayed. The word Maundy is derived from the Latin word for command; when Jesus washed their feet, He said... A new commandment I give you—love one another as I have loved you (John 13:34). Some churches actually have a foot-washing ceremony or service on Maundy Thursday.
Good Friday is the day we mark the anniversary of when Jesus was crucified. Good??? The word good is a misnomer. Or is it? Sin is not good. Suffering is not good. What Jesus did for us, what His death accomplished on our behalf—that was good—good because He took on our sins, and then suffered and died in our place, paying the price for our sins so we could be forgiven,reunited and reinvested in God’s eternal plan.
Holy Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday, marks the time of Jesus in the tomb, lifeless, in the grip of death. To be honest, little is associated with this day, though it is named through tradition. Perhaps because few know what to do with the obscure verses Peter offers surrounding Jesus' descending into the depths of hell. The medievalists called it the “harrowing of hell” and that is perhaps how we comprehend it. What is certain is that the tomb was a brief interlude to a universal declaration of victory over death and Satan’s grip on humanity.
Then comes Easter Sunday when we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus—a day that so altered human history that we are still talking about it and marking it with great fanfare more than 2,000 years later.
His resurrection makes each and every day of human life one potentially filled rich with meaning, significance and spiritual admonishment... if our course you are one who has committed your life to God.
May each day of your Holy Week be filled with reflection, meaning and purpose. This Sunday, may you proclaim the good news of the risen Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Reflect in your mind and devote your heart to the most exciting news in all human history:
Matthew 28 Jesus Is Risen!
1 Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the grave. 2 And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone and sat upon it. 3 And his appearance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. 4 The guards shook for fear of him and became like dead men. 5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. 6 He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying.
HE LIVES for you today! May you and yours experience a renewing and joyous Easter.
