Just As I Am Christian Ministries-Sharing God's love for Whoever believes

A Daily Devotional for Holy Week

The core of the Christian Faith—the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ—occurred during the 1st Holy Week over 2000 years ago. What really occurred this week 2000 years ago? Rather than mere historic events; Jesus intended each act to proclaim God's profound love for mankind; love for you and me. A love so great that it not only provides for the forgiveness of sin; but also resurrection and eternal life to all who believe in Him!

March 28 - Palm Sunday: Jesus First Declares His Identity

God’s Word: Reading: Matthew 21:1-11

Key verse: “Hossana, Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord! (Matthew 21:9)

Our Study: Although Jesus approaches Jerusalem, His journey towards these events were

planned and predestined before His birth. Jesus knew exactly what was going

to happen. In fact, He was in control!

Why did Jesus chose to ride into Jerusalem on a donkey? One reason was that a

donkey was a lowly animal of peace; rather than a war-horse. It was intended to

convey Jesus’ character: Easy to access, He is a meek Teacher, and rules by love.

As Jesus enters Jerusalem, the people rejoice and throw clothing and branches on

the road. They shout "Hosanna to the Son of David! They clearly believe Jesus was

their King and Deliverer. Yet less than a week later they would be shouting for His

crucifixion!

Life Questions: How could their opinion change so quickly? One reason might be

that Jesus would not provide deliverance the way they expected. Could this apply to our lives

as Christians today?

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Prayer: "May I always acknowledge you as my Savior and Lord and remain thankful for the ways you choose to guide and deliver me. Amen."

Monday: Jesus Seeks to Reform His Church

God’s Word: Read Matthew 21:12-22

Key verse: “It is written," he said to them, "My house will be called a house of prayer." (Mathew 21:13)

Our Study: Jesus first goes to the Jerusalem Temple rather than the court or palace; for His kingdom is

spiritual and not found in the things of this world.

However, Jesus does not find a house of worship and prayer but rather “a den of thieves!”

The priests had established cruel ways to rob people of their money and robbing God of

His honor. The priests did not recognize Jesus as their King. Jesus condemns the profane

use of the temple. However, even this was meant in love to show the proper use God’s

house as a house of prayer where God manifests his goodness and power.

Life Questions: The priests concern for their positions, pride and prosperity

prevented them from recognizing Jesus as the Son of God and Savior. Can concerns for

our positions, pride and prosperity cause us to be spiritually blind and / or not recognize

Jesus as our Savior and Lord? Let us each seek to be healed of spiritual blindness enabling

us to receive and honor Him.

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Prayer: Lord, there are so many distractions here that can draw our focus away from you. Help me to keep my heart open to you and let my love for you be above all else. Amen.

Tuesday: Jesus Seeks to Reform His People

God’s Word: Read Matthew 21:23 - Chapter 25

Two key verses:

Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law? Jesus replied: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'38This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.'All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. Matthew 22:34-40

Therefore keep watch, because you don't know the day or the hour. Matthew 25 13.

Our Study: Jesus weeps and returns to the Temple courts to warn His people that

they will be left desolate unless they come to Him. As part of His discourse with the

Jewish leaders Jesus taught many important lessons intended for His people then and

today. Jesus’ teachings included parables about:

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The Two Sons: The second son, makes idle promises to his Father; and so disappoints him.

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The Cornerstone: Jesus being the foundation of all must not be rejected.

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The Wedding Feast: Our faith must be more than superficial professions.

Far from being humbled by the parables to repent, the Pharisees were all the more ready to destroy Jesus. They confront the Christ with questions which twist or misquote, in order to give them some pretext for pursuing His death. Yet even now confronted by their hatred and falsehood, Jesus' teachings reveal His hope that they would become aware of their blindness.

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Jesus teaches the greatest commandment: Is to love God and the 2nd is to love one’s neighbor as one’s self

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Jesus attacks legalistic interpretation of Scripture that focuses on details but misses the great principles.

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Jesus points out the Pharisees basic moral failures: Lack of humility, love, justice, mercy and faithfulness

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The signs of His 2nd coming: That all who believes would be prepared!

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Jesus teaches 3 parables of watchfulness: Being filled with faith, the Word of God, His Spirit and loving service.

Life Questions: In these verses, Jesus speaks harsh words regarding the 1st Century Jews hypocrisy. However, this should not be taken as a blanket condemnation of Jews for all time. After all, Jesus himself was a Jew. Rather, after reading these verses, we should realize Jesus’ intent was that we would reconsider our Christian walk and areas of weakness and avoid the failings of the Pharisees.

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Prayer: Lord we do not know the time of your 2nd Coming. However, it is certain we will each stand before you. Help me to live my life watching and praying, and living courageously for you; so that when I do stand before you I might hear those words "Good and faithful servant, job well done." Amen

Wednesday: As far as we know on Wednesday the Lord spent the day in prayer and seclusion at Bethany.

Thursday: Jesus’ Re-focus of Passover to Provide for His Disciples

God’s Word: Read Matthew 26:1-50

Two Key Verses:

Matthew 26:26-28: And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to is disciples, saying: Take and eat this is my body." Then He took the cup, gave thanks, and offered it to them, saying "Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood which is poured out for the many for the forgiveness of sins

John 14:16-17: “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever -- the Spirit of Truth.”

Our Study: We can tell from Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, He knows His suffering for mankind will soon begin. The Chief Priest and elders plot with one of Jesus’ own disciples (Judas) to betray Him. Yet Jesus remains focused on providing His disciples (and us) with the instruction and encouragement needed in preparation for His departure.

It was Passover in Jerusalem, which memorialized God saving Israel from bondage

in Egypt. (Exodus 12). Each Israel household had been told to sacrifice a lamb,

placing its blood on the doorpost of a home and eating the meat in a symbolic

meal. When the Angel of Death saw the blood he "passed over" the home and

only entered Egyptian dwellings.

God has purposely chosen this time of Passover

for Jesus to become the perfect "Lamb of God" that death would also “passover”

all who believe.

We also know from John 13, that as Jesus celebrated the Passover meal (Last Supper) that the Son of God washed His disciples’ feet. His intent was to teach all Believers that our service to Him must come from a place of humility and love.

Returning to Matthew, we see it is during this “Last Supper” that Jesus also instituted the sacrament of communion by substituting the Passover lamb for a piece of bread. He breaks the bread and passes wine saying, “This is the blood of the New Covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” A sacrament intended for all time, to remind Christians that as long as we live we must continue to depend upon His grace.

From the Gospel of John (Chapters 13-17) we know near the end of the meal Judas departs to betray Jesus. Yet Jesus calmly uses these moments to reassure His disciples (and us) that in spite of His physical departure:

(1)

There would be provision for His disciples in this world and the next,

(2)

Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life,

(3)

The Holy Spirit would be sent to comfort, guide and strengthen them

(4)

That there was an eternal necessity in what He was about to do.

Jesus and His disciples depart the Last Supper for the Garden of Gethsemane….Where Judas identifies Jesus with a kiss. Jesus is arrested. Now it is time for Jesus to give His final lesson about love…As Jesus begins His journey to the cross.

Life Questions: The High Priests and their followers work throughout Thursday night to put together a case against Jesus. Yet Jesus remained disciplined to obtain a greater goal. How would such an attitude be reflected in our lives?

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Prayer: Lord, thank you for your steadfast focus and love for us even when you were about to face such unfathomable pain. Let my priorities always be loving and remaining faithful to bringing glory to you and serving your people without regard for my instances. Amen

Friday: Jesus’ Final Acts of Service

God’s Word: Read: Matthew 26:57 – Chapter 27:61

Key verse: Jesus said, "Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." Luke 23:34

Our Study: For Jesus to be killed, He will have to stand "trial" at least 5 times, two times before Jewish tribunals and three times before the Romans. Finally, Jesus faces a crowd that less than a week before had hailed him as their King, and Deliverer. Yet at the instigation of the chief priests, they reject Pilates’ offer to release Jesus; instead choosing a murderer! (People often release hardship into their own lives!)

It is now Friday morning, and nearing 9am (Mark 15:25). Jesus must have been

exhausted. His trials have lasted through the night. He has been repeatedly beaten

and then whipped.

Now they force Jesus to pick up His cross and carry it to His

crucifixion. Then His arms are outstretched and nailed to the cross-beam.

The beam is raised with His body and fastened to the upright post. There was

no foot-rest in ancient accounts" (Schneider, TDNT 7:573). Death usually resulted

from either shock or asphyxiation as the person hung there and the muscles used

to breath became fatigued.

You would think Jesus would have become weak after 3 hours on the cross. However,

even now during His most desperate hours Jesus loves and serves His people. Jesus

serves from the cross:

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Seeking mercy for those who crucified Him saying: Father forgive them for they know not what they are doing."

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Offering salvation to a repentant thief saying: I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in Paradise. (Luke 23)

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He cared for His Mother Mary: Seeing John Jesus says to him: "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home." (John 19:26-27)

Finally, Jesus cried out: "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"—which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" This might have been interpreted as an expression of His utter desperation and hopelessness. However, it was actually Jesus’ fourth act of service: Being forsaken by God was the punishment that we would have suffered if we had to bear the consequence of our own sin -- separation from God! By these words, Jesus also intended to direct Believers to Psalm 22 which prophesies not only His crucifixion but His ultimate victory!

At 3pm, it was the traditional time for the Passover Lamb to be sacrificed. It was also at this very time that Jesus, the Lamb of God dies. Afterwards accounts say the earth shook and darkness fell over the land…

Life Questions: By His example, how can Jesus’ statement "forgive them they know not what they do" help us to forgive others? Who should be forgiven? Remember that forgiveness does not mean we condone or allow the same acts; but that we release our vindictiveness, resentment and anger. By forgiving others we free ourselves!

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Prayer: Lord your words "Father, forgive them..." were meant for all of us who regularly offend. Thank you for bearing the pain and burden of those sins. Help me to live a life that reflects that same forgiveness and love for others. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Saturday: Jesus’ Tomb is Guarded and the Disciples are Dejected

God’s Word: Read Matthew 27:62- Ch 28

Key verse: Take a guard, "Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how." Matthew 27:65

Our Study: Friday night they would have hurried to get the body interred before the

Jewish Sabbath (which began Friday at sunset). The next day the priests request a

guard be placed at Jesus’ tomb. They were fully aware of Jesus prophecy that He

would rise again! They obviously intended to prevent any problem by making

absolutely sure Jesus’ tomb was secure. (However, their securing the tomb will

only authenticate what happens next!)

We do not have an account of the disciples on Saturday. However, in John 20 when the disciples were later found, they were in a room with the doors locked! Perhaps out of fear of the Jewish leaders. In the abuse and killing of Jesus, they had seen the depth of violence His enemies were willing to inflict.

Life Questions: Jesus had repeatedly promised that He would rise again!? However, in their grief and disappointment they “forgot” the Lord’s promises. Are we allowing grief or difficult circumstances to cause us to forget the promises and love of Jesus? In our struggles, let us seek the comfort and guidance promised by the Holy Spirit.

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Sunday: Jesus’ Resurrection and Ascension!

God’s Word: Read John 20

Key verse: Then He said to Thomas, "Put your finger her; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe". John 20:27

Our Study: Early Sunday morning Mary Magdalene is first to discover the empty tomb. Even though Jesus had told them He would rise again the thought does not seem to occur to her… She reports this to the disciples.

Peter and John come running! (John 20:2) Peter goes into the tomb and finds it empty! Later left alone at the tomb, Mary is so absorbed in grief, that even though the resurrected Christ speaks to her she does not recognize Him. Then Jesus calls her by name; and she recognizes her Lord!

Later Sunday evening, Jesus first appears to the disciples in the locked room where they

had gathered (John 20:19-23). The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

The Lord gives them (and us) the great commission to share the good news of all that

Jesus has done, through His death and the forgiveness of sin (Matthew 28)!

Thomas had not been with the other disciples at the previous meeting. A week later, Jesus

appears while Thomas is with them. Knowing Thomas doubted; Jesus encourages

Thomas to touch His body which includes proof of His crucifixion and resurrection. It is

only then, after Thomas had been given sufficient evidence to believe that Jesus

admonishes him to: "Stop doubting and believe!"

The Gospel accounts make it clear that Jesus appearances were extensive. In fact, Jesus

appears at least 11 times before ascending to heaven, 40 days after His resurrection!

(Acts 1:4-11; Luke 24:50,51)

Life Questions: Thomas doubted Jesus’ resurrection. Do you ever have feelings like his?

Has Jesus revealed Himself to you… If not, pray and ask God to reveal His Son to you in a

more real way. If He has, then it is time to stop doubting and believe! Are you continuing

to doubt even after the Lord has reassured you? Are you pursuing the Great Commission?

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Prayer: Lord Jesus, forgive me for my unbelief .... Sometimes I allow my rationalizations or the questioning of others to cause me to doubt or disregard what I know you have revealed to me by your Spirit and in your Word. Renew my commitment to sharing the Good News and fulfilling your purpose for my life until I join you in eternity. Amen.