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 Mark.
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 Mark identifies Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God. He wrote the gospel about Jesus, specifically His identity as the Son of Man. Mark describes how the crowds and disciples are astonished at His authority and wisdom. In the process, His words and works create opposition against Him, which you will see in this week’s reading. Mark quotes Jesus as He begins the last week of His earthly life, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).
- These chapters contain the final week of Jesus’ life. Take time to walk with Him. 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 Mark 11:1-16:8. 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 Mark:
– Sunday: The Triumphal Entry of Jesus (Mark 11:1-11).
– Monday: Jesus curses the fig tree and cleanses the Temple before returning to Bethany (Mark 11:12-19).
– Tuesday: Jesus discovers the withered fig tree and has multiple controversies with religious leaders (Mark 11:20-12:44).
– Wednesday: Jesus is coming! The Olivet Discourse (Mark 13:1-37).
– Thursday: Jesus and His disciples on the day of His arrest (Mark 14:1-72).
– Friday: Jesus is the crucified Savior (Mark 15:1-47).
– Saturday: Jesus is in the grave (cf., Matthew 27:62-66).
– Sunday: Jesus lives!! (Mark 16:1-8)
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