The week leading up to Easter is a very emotional time for me. As I think back to all the Bible verses I?ve read about how Jesus suffered for me I cannot phantom how anybody could love me that much. But I know Jesus does. I feel it deep inside me as much as I feel my heart beating. Every living person on this earth will let us down, but not our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
In today?s post I want to share a scripture to read every day this week along with a few thoughts to reflect on.
Sunday, April 13: Palm Sunday, Jesus enters Jerusalem, fulfillment of Old Testament scripture, Zechariah 9:9.
Matthew 21:5
Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foul of an ass.
Jesus did not enter Jerusalem upon a powerful black stallion adorned with jewels, but on a lowly foul of an ass. Jesus? humility proved that he lived and died for us all.
Monday, April 14: Jesus clears the temple of moneychangers.
Matthew: 21:13
And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.
There should be no commercialism of God?s house. Any practice that interferes with worshiping God should be stopped.
Tuesday, April 15: The Pharisees try to trick Jesus.
Matthew: 22:21
They say unto him, Caesar?s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar?s; and unto God the things that are Gods.
With just a few days before His crucifixion Jesus was still teaching the ways of the Father. Jesus told the Pharisees that we are to give to the government what is due them and to God what is His. This is a very hard lesson for humans because we think that we deserve everything, always hoarding up riches on earth that will wither and rust.
Wednesday, April 16: A plot to kill Jesus develops, Judas agrees to betray Jesus.
Matthew: 26:15
And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.
How many times have we sold Jesus out for far less than thirty pieces of silver? Every time we sin we are betraying Him just as Judas did. No matter how big or small our sins are, they pound the nails into Jesus just the same as Judas surely did when he sold our Savior out for a few pieces of silver.
Maundy Thursday, April 17: The Last Supper, garden of Gethsemane, and Jesus? arrest.
Matthew 26:41-42
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak
He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.
How awesome is it that Jesus drank from the cup of pain, anguish and death so that we might have eternal life? Of course Jesus knew that He was dying to save a bunch of sorry souls who wouldn?t even stay awake for a few hours and pray with Him, but He did it for us anyway.
Good Friday, April 18: The Crucifixion and burial.
Luke 23:44
Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
Jesus pleading to the Father to forgive me, why me, why you? Because Jesus knew we would never be good enough to ever save our self. No amount of good deeds can get us to the throne of God. Being covered by the blood of Jesus is the only way to heaven.
Saturday, April 19: Sealing and guarding the tomb.
Matthew 27:64
Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.
There was only one way into the tomb, and one way out. But there is nothing that could have kept Jesus in that hillside grave. No rock, guard, seal or army could stop the resurrection of Jesus.
Sunday, April 20: Resurrection morning.
Matthew 28:6
He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
Jesus is alive! He lives in the hearts of all who accept the truth of His life, death and resurrection. Why not let the love of Jesus set you free from all your insecurities, flaws, sins, and worries. Will your life on earth be problem free if you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior? No. But eternity will be perfect.
Pray this prayer today and accept God?s gift of life with Him for all eternity:
?Dear Lord Jesus,
I know I am a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe you died for my sins and rose from the dead.? I trust and follow you as my Lord and Savior. Guide my life and help me to do your will.
In your name, amen.?
