What would you do if you only had one week to live? Would you touch base with a few friends? Spend time with your family?
Knowing He had less than a week to live, Jesus responded very differently than many of us would—courageously making the journey to Jerusalem while preparing His followers for His death.
On Sunday, the crowds cheered His entrance into Jerusalem (Mark 11:1-11). Monday, He chased thieves out of the temple—calling it “a house of prayer” (Mark 11:15-17). Tuesday, the temple leaders questioned His authority (Mark 11:27-28). The Pharisees and other religious leaders also questioned Him about paying taxes and the greatest commandment (Mark 12:13-34). On Wednesday, one of Jesus’ disciples, Judas Iscariot, began to plot His demise (Mark 14:10-11).
On Thursday, after a Passover meal during which Jesus prepared His disciples for life after His death, Judas betrayed Him to religious leaders who had Him arrested (Mark 14:43-46). On Friday, they handed Jesus over to Roman authorities who had Him beaten and then crucified on a cross (Mark 15:15).
As the reality of Jesus’ death sank into the hearts of His followers on Saturday, so did despair—for their hopes died with Him. But then came His amazing resurrection on Sunday morning! (Mark 16:1-7).
The events of Jesus’ last week shows that because of Jesus and His love we can face the trials of today in His strength. Because of Easter Sunday, we can enter the conflicts of Monday through Wednesday; we can embrace the betrayal of Thursday, the suffering and humiliation of Friday, and the despair of Saturday.
Jesus’ resurrection gives us the ultimate assurance that even the most difficult realities of life in our present broken world will not have the final say.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: 1 Kings 10:1-13
More:
Reflect on Galatians 2:20 and how the reality of Jesus being alive within you can provide hope and peace as you face conflicts and trials.
Next:
How can you learn to imitate Jesus and His mindset as you face conflict and mistreatment? Is there a present hurt or loss in your life that Jesus’ resurrection can help you navigate today?
Gary Shultz on April 16, 2017 at 6:29 am
Hi Jeff: Certainly Christ has left a path of teaching and examples for us to follow or “imitate” in this life. Christ has said “follow me”. He also said, “do you believe” and “where is your faith”. Many people give some credence to “Easter”, but Christ had something very deep in mind, life for life. His to die so ours could live, do we believe, do we have faith? If our belief has lead us to a point that faith is at the forefront of our lives, we should all trust in Him. When that hurt and loss come, even though slammed by grief and pain, we look to Jesus who has a path for us to “navigate”. We will have the pains and loss in life, amounts and duration are as different as the world itself. But, Jesus placed Himself permanently as “the way” to a life of faith, and a life that He will walk the path of present pains with us. Our savior, our guide, our help , and friend, “no one cares like Jesus”, He paid the cost to be able to do that. Thanks Jeff, have a blessed day.
dmiller789 on April 16, 2017 at 7:12 am
Beautifully put. I have so much joy for our risen Savior. The reminder that I can face my day with confidence that He is in control. Let myself and others have the peace and understanding today and the next. Amen