Jesus is risen! We celebrate Easter Sunday as a moment of Jesus’ triumph over death, sin, and evil. But like so many things in life, there is much more to this story.
I’ve been thinking this week about Jesus’ easter week. As I do this, I marvel at God’s intricate plan, the generous offer of truth, and the stubborn rejection of Jesus. Let’s look at the Easter or Passion week together:
We start with Palm Sunday. Jesus enters Jerusalem with shouts of Hosanna – which means ‘Save us now.’ The Jewish people are recognizing Jesus as their King to free them from oppression.
Monday – Jesus returns to Jerusalem and enters the temple. He cleanses it with the full authority of the King, restoring the temple as a place of prayer, not convenience or profit.
Tuesday – Jesus answers challenges from the various religious leaders, each trying to trip Jesus up. But the only ones left stumped are the religious leaders, as Jesus has wisdom that confounds them. Finally, Jesus prophecies the destruction of the Temple!
Wednesday – Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus’ disciples, conspires with the religious leaders to betray Jesus in a private place, away from the crowds. The price agreed is 30 pieces of silver.
Thursday – Jesus and His disciples eat the Passover meal. This meal remembered how God miraculously delivered the Jews from their slavery in Egypt. Jesus changes this meal to be a future remembrance of how God miraculously delivered His people from their sins.
Friday – Good Friday, as Jesus is arrested, tried, beaten, and finally crucified. While on the cross, the sky become dark even though it was the middle of the day. At about 3 pm, Jesus cried with a loud voice and gave up His spirit.
Saturday – Jesus has been buried. The disciples spend this day in sadness, mourning the death of the one they believed was the Messiah.
Easter Sunday – Jesus is risen – He is risen indeed! He has authority, power, and victory over everything in heaven and on earth! When you believe in Jesus as the Son of God, you share in His victory and triumph. Easter is a day of triumphal celebration!