Holy Week - Easter 2022Sample

Let’s face it. We are creatures of habit! Many of the things we regularly do are habitual. Whether it’s logging in two hours at the gym at 5 am, a cup of coffee with breakfast, or a mid-afternoon snack, routine is a part of our everyday world. Some of our routines are habits we’d love to break, while others are habits we work hard to build.

Luke 21: 37 tells us where Jesus went on Wednesday of His final week: the Temple. However, He didn’t just go there during His last week on earth or on Wednesdays. He went there regularly. Jesus would often stop at the Temple and teach. The place seemed to draw Jesus to come and teach like many are drawn to morning coffee. Jesus did not alter His schedule on this particular Wednesday, even though He had only a few days before He would be crucified.

On this particular Wednesday, Jesus looked into the eyes of the people there and saw expectancy. Passover was coming, and they were in a festive mood. It was a national holiday, with people coming from many miles, singing the Psalms of ascent as they traveled “up” to Jerusalem. (It’s always “up,” no matter which direction you come from because Jerusalem is an elevated city). The people came to these annual festivals telling stories of Passovers and festivals from the past. These festivals served as regular celebrations that brought families and the nation together. But this week, it was not just the coffee that was brewing; there was also a controversy stirring up, with the Temple at its center. That controversy was about this man from Nazareth, Jesus, who did things and said things that no one else could do or say.

At one point, Jesus talked about the Resurrection (Luke 20:27-40), and His answers brought tears of joy to the eyes of many who had lost loved ones. Many asked questions about the resurrection and wanted to know more about the next life. Those who were interested asked and received answers. However, some, like the Pharisees, asked questions only to accuse Him of treason, blasphemy, and sedition. They wanted to kill Him. Jesus even answered their questions, but He responded so well that “…they did not have courage to question Him any longer about anything.” (Luke 20:40)

Jesus did not just teach, but He also demonstrated. In just a few days, Jesus would demonstrate to everyone in the bustling city of Jerusalem that He truly was the Messiah. He would shock the world and give a final answer to their questions and doubts about the Resurrection when He was crucified and then amazingly rose from the dead.

REFLECTION

What are the good habits in your life you want to maintain or pass on to others?

What is a spiritual discipline you’ve seen in Jesus’ life that you want to build in your life? Write down the first step you can take to begin building this habit, and tell a friend about it to keep you accountable!