Passion Week

As we approach Easter, I wanted to fill this week with themes surrounding the topic. It is a week where we look back at the events leading to Jesus' crucifixion, His death, burial, and finally His resurrection.

Many events are recorded for us in Scripture that fill these days, but I think it's wise not to be dogmatic about the days themselves.

Jesus arrives in Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and cleanses the temple the next day. Other major events of the week include His cursing of the fig tree, His teaching the crowds and His disciples (for example, the Olivet Discourse), and Judas conspiring to betray Jesus.

Before Good Friday, the events culminate on Maundy Thursday, the most recognizable part of which is the Last Supper.

At a prior church, I was able to take part in a live-action play of that event on more than one occasion. It may seem silly to some, but it was actually an interesting way to look at the event, and for us in it, a healthy reminder of what was going on that evening.

A key moment in the play, and of course, more importantly, the text itself, is when the disciples, surprised by Jesus' words that one of them would betray Him, respond with the question, "Is it I?"

We, of course, know that it was Judas, but the disciples apparently did not. They each seemed to recognize that they could have been that betrayer.

In light of it, however, Jesus responds by washing their feet. He then tells them to love one another in the same way.

Of course, there are many applications we could make from the Passion Week.

But as we look back at Jesus' last week before His death, may we remember His words to His disciples:

"This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you." - John 15:12

How much has Jesus loved us? The Bible is filled with the theme of His love. Contextually, I think a great example is in John 17.

Late that Thursday, as Jesus prayed in the garden, we get a glimpse into the relationship of the Son and the Father.

"Father, I desire that they also whom You have given me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world." - John 17:24

The God of the universe, the one who made everything from nothing, the Trinity, has expressed love for His people. The second Person of the Trinity died in our place, expressing that love. That's part of what we celebrate at Easter: the love of God displayed through the atoning work of Christ.

And so, may we also love each other, by His grace, as He has loved us.

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