The Week That Changed History

Each of the days of the final week leading up to and following Christ’s crucifixion focuses upon an issue in Christ’s ministry which is also an issue in my Christian walk.

Palm Sunday - the Day of Celebrity

The issue is expectations—the crowds wanted Jesus to be a conquering hero; a powerful Messiah who would bring about political change. They were wrong about his identity and wrong about his mission.

The question for the Christian is: Do I accept Christ on the basis of what I want Him to be, or on the basis of who He actually is?

Monday - the Day of Cleansing

The issue is holiness—the Jews had turned the Temple into a marketplace. The sanctuary had become a bazaar, but Jesus cleansed it.

The question for the Christian is: Am I ready to allow Jesus to cleanse my life in order that I might be a holy dwelling place for Him?

Tuesday - the Day of Confrontation

The issue is authority—the Jewish leaders challenged Jesus’ authority to do what He had done in the Temple because they regarded the Temple as their turf.

The question for the Christian is: Am I willing to accept Christ’s Lordship in areas of my life that I regard as my private domain?

Wednesday - the Day of Commitment

The issue is loyalty—in the face of mounting pressure, three individuals—Simon, Mary, and Judas—made decisions about their personal loyalty to Jesus.

The question for the Christian is: Will I “cast my lot” with Jesus even in the face of pressure to disown him?

Thursday - the Day of Communion

The issue is intimacy—on the day before his greatest test, Jesus spent time with his disciples. He served them by washing their feet, he supped with them, and he prayed for them.

The question for the Christian is: Do I seek intimate time with the Savior knowing that it is essential to my spiritual well-being?

Friday - the Day of Crucifixion

The issue is self—in order to obey the will of God, Jesus gave Himself up for us. Although he could have used his divine power to save himself, he refrained from doing so in order to achieve our redemption.

The question for the Christian is: Am I willing to deny myself as Jesus did in order to serve God and realize His purpose for my life?

Saturday - the Day of Confusion

The issue is faith - from all appearances, it was over: Jesus was dead, his ministry had ended in failure, his enemies were triumphant, and his followers were discouraged and defeated. Little did any of them know that victory was at hand!

The question for the Christian is: When I feel defeated, when God seems absent, and nothing good seems to be happening in my life, am I willing to claim by faith the victory that is mine in Christ?

Sunday - the Day of Celebration

The issue is certainty - Jesus proved Himself to be the Son of God by His resurrection from the dead. At first, his followers couldn’t believe it. Then, they were profoundly convinced of it.

The question for the Christian is: Am I going to acknowledge the reality of the fact that Jesus is God, that He is alive today, and that He wants to be my friend?