Use this week well!

We each want to use this week well! It is Monday… (going back in time now) the day after Palm Sunday.

Yesterday, Jesus entered into Jerusalem. It was crazy. He came from Bethphage headed into Jerusalem on a colt. There were people everywhere. From the north were Galileans. Thousands of them. They walked up the Mount of Olives on the Jerusalem Road from down Jericho way. In just a few short miles (16 mi), you walk from 500 feet below sea level to around 2700 feet above sea level. (Talk about your hamstrings burning! – but I digress.)

Many of these Galileans knew Jesus. Some of them had been there when Jesus fed the thousands. Others had listened to him teach. Almost all of them had either heard or met someone who had been healed, brought back to life, or otherwise encouraged by him. Although many of these people were not disciples, they almost all had been impacted by him over the past three years.

Just a few days ago, Jesus had resurrected Lazarus back to life over in Bethany. All of Jerusalem had heard about it. Jesus’ popularity had shot through the roof seemingly overnight. Now, news was spreading that Jesus was on his way into Jerusalem. Thousands venture out of Jerusalem down this road onto the Mount of Olives to meet him.

Again, it was just crazy. People were everywhere. Jesus is riding a donkey – which was weird since he was coming in a king.

People began putting their outer garments on the road and covering them up with palm branches. It was like rolling out a carpet to receive Jesus into Jerusalem.

Plus, I almost forgot, all the people were shouting. Thousands of them. It was very loud.

They shouted:

“Hosanna to the Son of David!
‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’
Hosanna in the highest!”

Matthew, one of Jesus’ disciples that went everywhere with Jesus, said to him it was like an earthquake. The whole city shook with anticipation of Jesus.

By Friday, Jesus will die.

By next Sunday, Jesus will rise from the grave.

Let me encourage you this week to read a little each day from the Gospels to learn more about this final week of Jesus’ ministry prior to the cross and His resurrection. Here are some passages you can use to follow along throughout your week.

Study together: Passion Week Easter Readings 2023

Study on your own:

Sunday: Matthew 21:1–11, Mark 11:1–11, Luke 19:28–44, John 12:9–19.
Monday: Matthew 21:12–22, Mark 11:12–19, Luke 19:45–48.
Tuesday: Matthew 21:23–26:5, Mark 11:27–14:2, Luke 20:1–22:2, John 12:37–50.
Wednesday: Matthew 26:6–16, Mark 14:3–11, Luke 22:3–6.
Thursday: Matthew 26:17–75, Mark 14:12–72, Luke 22:7–71, John 13:1–18:27
Friday: Matthew 27:1–61, Mark 15:1–47, Luke 23:1–56, John 18:28–19:42.
Saturday: Matthew 27:62–66
Sunday: Matthew 28:1–20, Mark 16:1–8, Luke 24:1–53, John 20:1–21:25.

  Image Credit Yosi Prihantoro