Holy Week - Pt. 1

 

And when he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came up to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” Jesus answered them, “I also will ask you one question, and if you tell me the answer, then I also will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of John, from where did it come? From heaven or from man?” And they discussed it among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘From man,’ we are afraid of the crowd, for they all hold that John was a prophet.” So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And he said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.” (Matthew 21:23-27 ESV).

 

Since this is Holy Week, leading to the greatest celebration within the Christian community, Easter Sunday, I thought we would enjoy a look at each of the day’s events in the life of Jesus from the perspective of how it may encourage and help us in our daily lives. Last week I used some random thoughts from the week’s events as a means of encouragement. So many of my readers commented how helpful and encouraging they were. Thank you for your response; and, I pray these will be equally helpful. After the “Triumphant Entry” into Jerusalem and the week continued, Jesus experienced conspiracies of every kind.

 

Remember, upon His entrance into Jerusalem, the religious leaders plotted to get rid of Him more than ever before. Their desire for removal caused them to stoop below their standards and join forces with Rome and the Herodians. In addition, they partnered with the Sadducees, who were considered to be religious liberals; denying both the resurrection and angels. While there were other things that happened, I am certain this experience is included to help us understand the real struggles Jesus faced before the cross. Just a few days earlier Jesus entered Jerusalem to the shouts of praise and adoration. Now He faces the jealousy and fear of the religious leadership of the people He called from slavery and protected for millennia. The very people who should have been His closest allies and supporters turned on Him and became His fiercest enemies.

 

Isn’t this similar to the struggles we face from those who ought to be our greatest supporters. Perhaps it is a family member who has betrayed you; a close friend who has turned against you; or, a co-worker who has sabotaged you future. Regardless, Jesus is able to identify with our stress and daily dramas. We can find joy in the way Jesus victoriously handled all of these challenges. Trust Him with your life in every way, which includes what will happen today. He leads the way to our own victory. Trust His way. Follow His lead. Pursue His holiness.