Holy Week

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.  God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it."  John 3: 16-17

Many Christians and non-Christians have heard the first part of the Scripture quoted above.  It's hard to watch a professional sporting event and not see John 3:16 somewhere in the crowd or even on the field.  I applaud this evangelism, getting the word out there, though I wonder how many non-Christians really look up the passage , ask a Christian friend, or know what John 3:16 means.  It's not for us to worry about, though.  God draws people to him; it is the purpose of His people to put the message out to everyone, to point the way to Him, and to remind the world about all He has done and is doing.  The next time you have the opportunity to share your faith, don't worry about how you or your message will be received.  Just put it out there, God will work in the hearts of those who seek Him.

I included the oft-forgotten verse 17.  It seems to me that when I talk to people who don't go to church, they have lots of reasons why, but the most frequent reason is that they feel like they are being judged, they are not good enough, that somehow one has to be good to go to church.  My response is usually a polite chuckle.  Then I tell them that's why I go to church, because I am not good enough, I'm a sinner in need of God's forgiveness!  I sin, therefore I go.  It is verse 17 that assures me that God wants to forgive us; everyone, regardless of how unworthy we think we are.  If we seek forgiveness, God will grant it.  So, I wonder... when people are reminded of John 3:16 do they continue to read, do they get the full message of Salvation?  The next time you see John 3:16 written on poster board or on the eye-black of an athlete or fan, remember verse 17, too "God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it."  And if you are lucky enough to be asked about John 3:16, be sure to continue with the complete message of salvation.

Holy Week is a reminder of the reality of John 3:16-17.  The events are not metaphor, simile, folklore, allegory, or parable.  What happened during Holy Week is history - facts that have been written down, remembered, and celebrated for over two thousand years.  It is a yearly reminder of the events that happened in Jerusalem to Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus the Christ, The Son of Man, the only Begotten Son of God. 

On Palm Sunday we remember how the crowds cheered Jesus arrival. 
On Maundy Thursday we remember the Passover meal that Jesus ate with his disciples.  Many things happened in that upper room, including Jesus washing the feet of his disciples, the prediction of Judas Iscariot's betrayal & Peter's denials, and the words of Jesus that are repeated by Christians today when we take communion. 
Good Friday is a solemn remembrance of Jesus crucifixion and death. 
Saturday is often a day of Vigil - being the Jewish Sabbath, Jesus' friends could not attend his body, so they had to wait until Sunday.  As Christians remember this waiting period they pray, as I'm sure Jesus' followers & friends did. 
When they went to the tomb early Sunday morning they found it empty!  We celebrate Easter Sunday with the call and answer, "He is Risen!"  "He is Risen Indeed!" 

With all the things that the world and life throws at us daily, it is easy to forget:
to pray
to rely on God
to trust in God's promises
to remember that God loved us so much, he gave his only Son to die as a sacrifice for our sins.

As we go through Holy Week and have lots of things to do and prepare, let's not forget to remember why we celebrate. 

How will you remember and celebrate Holy Week?  Please share with us on the blog comments the ways you intend to do this, some of your favorite ways to celebrate the season, or a favorite memory of a past Lent and Easter season.

May the Peace of the Lord be with you!

Your Partner in Ministry,
Shelly