“Jesus traveled through this world “ON THE WAY” to his final destination. He walked through the countryside of Judea, Samaria, and Capernaum. A rugged hill outside of Jerusalem on a splintery cross was his fate. His end goal was an empty tomb carved into a rock slab. Jerusalem was the destination of Jesus’ decisive confrontation with Satan. “ON THE WAY” to that final destination, Jesus spent time with family. He was a good son to Mary and Joseph. According to Matthew 13:55-56, He was brother to men named James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon. He introduced himself to many new friends, and called a group of twelve to follow Him. Jesus enjoyed the road trip stopping to party with tax collectors and outcasts. He paused to reach out and touch the lepers, the blind, and the lame. Jesus woke the dead from their sleep. Though many loved and followed Him throughout his travels, Jesus also became an enemy of the state. His words were radical and His philosophy was transforming. Romans and rulers of Israel alike were threatened by His teachings as Jesus traveled to a lonely treacherous hill called Golgotha.” Excerpt for my new book “On the Way”
Sunday April 9th begins “Passion Week.” We in Christendom observe the events of the last week of Christ. We meditate on each day, taking to heart all that they mean for us. The sacrifice Jesus made as He entered Jerusalem for the last time clothed as a physical, mortal man was His victorious standoff with the enemy of our souls. It was a suicide mission and He knew this, but it was the depth He would go to so that He could reconcile His creation to their Creator.
Sunday is Palm Sunday.
“After saying these things, Jesus headed straight up to Jerusalem.” Luke 19:28 MSG
“They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. As He went along, people spread their cloaks on the road. When He came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher rebuke you disciples!” “I tell you,” He replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” Luke 19:35-40 NIV.
Store these things in your heart. Meditate on this scene as we approach Palm Sunday. Jesus’ last week as a physical man was jam packed with events. It began with a parade. His disciples and His followers were celebrating Him. The sound in Jerusalem wasn’t the thunderous sound of a million man march, nor the reverberations of a Roman legion marching in step while escorting a Roman Emperor. The sound that caused concern was the sound of praise. Jesus rode silently and humbly on a donkey, not a warhorse, yet still His enemies were on high alert. It was the praise of those who loved Him that put fear into the hearts of the Pharisees. Yet, if they kept silent Jesus said the rocks would cry out.
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” Psalm 19:1
Praise! Praise is the shovel I will use to unearth eternity in me. Praise that will move the decibel meter; Praise that will cause ripples of change in my life.
To begin Passion Week: As you meditate on the triumpal entry parade, what is it that stirs passion inside of you for your Savior?
There is a “Leave a reply” section at the bottom of this post. Join me each day this week with your thoughts about the events of Passion Week.
Thanks,
In Christ
Kellye