Passion Week...
Passion Week, or Holy Week, begins this Sunday, known as Palm Sunday. Have you ever wondered why we call it "Passion Week". When we are "passionate" about something we are strong in our conviction, belief, and even emotions. Commeriating and celebrating the last week of Christ earthly ministry is a great reason to be passionate. However, the Greek word 'pascho', a verb, means "to suffer". And the word 'passion' actually comes from a Latin word 'passio' which literally means 'to endure suffering'. Thus, the "Passion Week".
When you think about it, this is a week where we should feel loved. Deeply, unconditionally loved! Everything that Christ went through this week led up to his horrific crucifixion on The Cross - which He did for you and me. It was His sacrifice that paid the price for our sins, cleansing us, and restoring our relationship with our Heavenly Father. And it is the Ressurection, the ULTIMATE Celebration of Life, that gives us life and Life with purpose. So, if you think you are unloved, study the Passion week. By the way, though graphic, one of the most powerful portrayals of this incredible week is seen in the movie "The Passion". I encourage you to take a few moments this week to focus and thank our Lord for enduring the Passion. Here is a "timeline" of the week. Use it as a devotional guide for the week.
Day 1: Palm Sunday. The "Triumphal Entry" into Jerusalem
(Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-44, John 12:12-19)
Day 2: Monday - Jesus curses the fig tree & clears the Temple
(Matthew 21:12-22, Mark 11:15-19, Luke 19:45-48, John 2:13-17)
Day 3: Tuesday - Jesus teaches on the Mount of Olives and avoids being ambushed
(Matthew 21:23-24:51. Mark 11:20-13:37, Luke 20:1-21:36, John 12:20-38)
Day 4: Wednesday - Rest in Bethany and Judas agrees to betrayal
(Matthew 26:12-14, Mark 14:10-12, Luke 22:3-6)
Day 5: Maundy Thursday - Passover meal. Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus was betrayed and arrested.
(Matthew 26:17-75, Mark 14:12-72, Luke 22:7-62, John 13:1-38)
Day 6: Good Friday - Jesus tried, flogged, crucified, buried
(Matthew 27:1-62, Mark 15:1-47, Luke 22:63-23:56, John 18: 28-19:37)
Day 7: Black Saturday - Jesus is dead. His body lies in a sealed tomb. There is mourning.
(Matthew 27:62-66, Mark 16:1, Luke 23:56, and John 19:40)
Day 8: Resurrection Sunday - EASTER! - Jesus is alive, the tomb empty, and many see Him
(Matthew 28:1-13, Mark 16:1-14, Luke 24:1-49, John 20:1-23)
As you go through the week, keep in mind that everything Jesus did, He did for you and me. Jesus tells us in John 15:12-14:
"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
You are my friends if you do what I command."
I look forward to seeing you this "Palm Sunday". May we take the opportunity to tell our Friends this week about the ultimate gift of Love! After all, it is His command.
You ARE Loved!
Pastor Lonnie
"More in '24"
(You can reach Pastor Lonnie by calling or text 615-496-2502 or send an email to lonniecastle@gmail.com)