The Wonder of Walking through Holy Week with Jesus
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On Maundy Thursday, we gather at the table with Jesus as he institutes the sacrament of communion. Matthew 26:26-28 explains the profound significance of this sacrament: “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.’” The wonder of Maundy Thursday lies in the sacramental act and the mandate of love that Jesus gives, commanding his disciples to love one another as he has loved them. In the intimacy of the Last Supper, Jesus embodies sacrificial love, becoming a beacon of light for the disciples as they are about to face the darkness of Good Friday, the next day. As we ponder the wonder of Maundy Thursday, we’re inspired to respond to the exhortation in Ephesians 5:1-2: “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
On Good Friday, the journey takes a somber turn as we stand at the foot of the cross, witnessing the Crucifixion of Jesus. Matthew 27:45 tells us that while Jesus hung on the cross, bearing the tremendous weight of our sins: “From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land.” We find the Light of the World willingly stepping into the darkest depths of human suffering. As Jesus hangs on the cross, the darkness seems overwhelming. But when Jesus finishes his mission to save the world, his Light overcomes the darkness of sin. Hope becomes a reality for all people throughout history, since Jesus has made a way for everyone to connect with our perfect God. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross becomes the ultimate manifestation of the Light triumphing over even the darkest forces in our world. On this day, we know that our mourning will turn to celebrating, because Easter is on the way.
Holy Saturday invites us into the sacred silence of waiting with hope. As we reflect on how Jesus’ body rests in the tomb before his Resurrection, we can be inspired with awe and gratitude as we consider how Jesus helps us deal with grief and every other type of challenging circumstances in our lives. The wonder of Holy Saturday lies in the quiet hope that even in the stillness, God is at work, fulfilling the promises spoken through the prophets. Even in the silence of Holy Saturday, Jesus’ light continues to shine, giving us hope. While we wait, we have the confidence of knowing that Jesus will fulfill good purposes – both in our lives, and in our world. Psalm 27:1 assures us: “The LORD is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?” Holy Saturday inspires us to overcome fear with hope.
The wonder of Holy Week reaches its zenith on Easter Sunday as we stand before the empty tomb. In Matthew 28:5-6, an angel declares to a woman outside Jesus’ grave: “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.” Jesus, the Light of the World, has completely overcome the darkness of sin and death, offering all people the radiant hope of new life. In John 11:25-26, Jesus says: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” On this wonderful day, we can respond to Jesus’ question by affirming that we do believe!
In conclusion, walking through Holy Week with Jesus is a powerful journey that leads us to wonder with every step. We encounter the multifaceted wonder of our Savior in many ways: through Jesus entering Jerusalem, the temple cleansing, Jesus’ teachings on love, the plot against Jesus and his anointing, the Last Supper and communion, the Crucifixion, waiting with hope, and celebrating the Resurrection. Our wondrous experiences with Jesus during Holy Week can inspire us to trust him. When we encounter dark situations, we can rely on Jesus – the Light of the World – to give us the hope and help we need.
To continue reading this series on the wonder of Lent and Easter, click here.
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