This is a special week for Christians all over the world. As we prepare for Easter, we remember the final days of Jesus’ earthly life before He died on the cross a sacrificial death for each one of us. We celebrate His resurrection every day; however Easter is the day we annually set aside to specifically focus as Christians all over the world the wonderful resurrection three days after Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross.
We have made it our practice to focus on just one section of the Bible story each year. The Bible’s authors share something specific for us. They tell a story – consistent with the rest of the Bible – but specific to their goals in particular books. This year the Passion Week Readings come from the Gospel of Matthew.
Three things to ponder as you read along with us this Passion Week:
- Read the story as if it were written specifically to you – because it was. The Gospel of Matthew was written to demonstrate that Jesus was the long-expected Messiah, the one prophesied by the Old Testament, the one Israel needed, and the one all of us need. Therefore, Matthew quotes the Old Testament, demonstrates how prophesy was fulfilled, and points to the Messiah. He wants you to understand this.
- These chapters contain the final week of Jesus’ life. Take time to walk with Him. Take time to consider what He is sharing with His disciples. Take a few moments to reflect on Jesus’ final week with His disciples as He specifically prepared for the cross. He walked through this week in humility, in sobriety, with love, and on purpose. Listen to His words. Hear the emotion and love behind them. Enjoy following Jesus as He demonstrates love and compassion for His disciples. If you can, read the entire chapters from Matthew 21-28. Seek to read these chapters from Jesus’ perspective and the disciples’ perspective.
- Worship. Take time this week just to ponder, reflect, consider, and adore Jesus Christ. Take a long look at the cross. Consider your own sin as you do. Think about the fact that Jesus went through this week for you to take on your sin and the sin of the world. God put your sin on Jesus so He could forgive you through Jesus’ death. He provides you eternal life through Jesus Christ. It is only possible because of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection.
Passion Week Readings from the Gospel of Matthew:
– Sunday: Jesus is the Messiah (Matthew 21).
– Monday: Jesus is full of compassion (Matthew 23:37-39).
– Tuesday: Jesus is coming (Matthew 24-25).
– Wednesday: Jesus is worthy of our praise (Matthew 26:6-13).
– Thursday: Jesus celebrated the Passover and is the final Passover lamb (Matthew 26:20-46).
– Friday: Jesus is the crucified Savior (Matthew 26:47-27:50).
– Saturday: Sunday’s coming! (Matthew 27:51-66)
– Sunday: Jesus lives!! (Matthew 28)
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