Scripture for Holy Week, from Listen When He Speaks readings
Jesus was headed toward Jerusalem. He knew what lay ahead for Him. The disciples did not understand.
Christ died willingly, but it was not easy. He chose to honor His Father, and provide the only perfect sacrifice, Himself, that could redeem us.
Palm Sunday… The people didn’t get it. They were waiting for a king who would save them from Roman oppression. This man Jesus had performed miracles, and was entering Jerusalem on the prophesied donkey. They cried out in praise, as He deserved. When the Pharisees, who wanted to keep their authority and not upset the Romans, told Jesus to make the people be quiet. He refused
Even when we refuse to give God the praise He deserves, nature recognizes its Creator. May we not be silent.
Even as they praised Him, Jesus knew their hearts were far from the Father. They sought salvation from earthly oppressors; He came to bring redemption from sin and restoration of relationship with God.
Jesus entered the temple and began to drive out those who were selling, saying to them,
“It is written, ‘And My house shall be a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a robbers’ den.”
And He was teaching daily in the temple; but the chief priests and the scribes and the leading men among the people were trying to destroy Him, and they could not find anything that they might do, for all the people were hanging on to every word He said.
Luke 19:45-48, NASB
While they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins. But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”
After singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away because of Me this night, for it is written, ‘I will strike down the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered.’ But after I have been raised, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.” But Peter said to Him, “Even though all may fall away because of You, I will never fall away.” Jesus said to him, “Truly I say to you that this very night, before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” Peter said to Him, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You.” All the disciples said the same thing too.
Matthew 26:26-35, NASB
