It is Holy week.
During our time together this past Sunday, I mentioned that Jesus entered Jerusalem four different times during the first Holy Week.
The first time is what we call the Triumphal entry. Jesus entered the temple “and when he had looked around at everything” he left and went to Bethany (Mark 11:11). This is what we spoke about during our time together on Sunday.
My hope is that we can be like Jesus, and when we look around, we can take it all in. What does it look like? Who do you see there and who is missing or excluded? What do you want or hope to see? What are you afraid of seeing? What don’t you want to look at? Don’t turn away or close your eyes, take it all in. Carry it with you through this week.
The next entry into Jerusalem, according to Mark, Jesus came to Jerusalem and cleansed the temple. He drove out the buyers and sellers, and overturned tables and chairs. Then he “went out of the city” (Mark 11:15-19).
What needs to be driven out of your life? What needs turning over or disrupting? What needs to be put back in order?
Jesus again came to Jerusalem. “As he was walking in the temple” the religious leaders asked him, “By what authority are you doing these things? Who gave you this authority to do them?” (Mark 11:27-28).
When he left the temple he went to the Mount of Olives (Mark 13:1, 3).
Who or what is the authority in your life? Where is it taking you? How does it affect others? Is your life the story you want to be living?
The next time Jesus came to Jerusalem was on Thursday evening to eat the Passover meal with his disciples (Mark 14:17-25). With whom and in what ways are you sharing the bread of your life? Who is welcome at your table and who is not? What are you giving and what are you holding back? Where is intimacy and vulnerability in your life and what do they look like? In what ways are you taking, blessing, breaking, and sharing your life with others?
I wonder what you and I will do with Holy Week this year and I wonder how Holy Week will transform us.
Let’s prepare to celebrate Resurrection Sunday, in a few days, but don’t rush through Holy Week and what it has for you.
Let’s talk about it and celebrate the risen Lord on Sunday!
~ Pastor Dustin
