Palm Sunday, March 28
DAY OF TRIUMPH
This Day in the life of Jesus
Palm Sunday was the kind of celebration reserved for conquering heroes. Van Cliburn received a ticker tape parade after winning the prestigious Tchaikovsky award. Roman armies paraded their spoils in front of Ceasars and the Roman Senate after victories on the battle field. Why would the people of Jesus day honor Him as a conquering hero? The real parade should have been on Sunday. That is when the conquering hero rose from the grave.
Monday, March 29
DAY OF TESTING
This Day in the life of Jesus
Tests have a way of causing anxiety. Whether it is a driving test for a sixteen year old, a bar exam for a nervous student, or a physical for a woman who worries about breast cancer, test cause us to worry. Religious leaders of Jesus’ day tested Him in every way possible. They weren’t testing His knowledge. It was a trap to alienate Him from His followers. Jesus aced every test tat day; proving He was ready for the ultimate test.
Tuesday, March 30
DAY OF TEACHING
This Day in the life of Jesus
Jesus had many titles. One of those was Rabboni. It meant teacher. Jesus did not lecture in auditoriums or temples. He did not use PowerPoint or elaborate illustrations. On this day, He pulled aside these twelve relatively uneducated disciples and taught them the mysteries of what would unfold in the days to come. He taught them how to live and die.
Wednesday, March 31
DAY OF TRANSITION
This Day in the life of Jesus
Scripture does not say much about this pivotal scene that leads to the climatic moment of the passion of Christ. However, this day is known as “Spy Wednesday,” as a reference to the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot, indicating that on this day, Judus conspired with the Sanhedrin to betray Him for thirty pieces of silver.
Thursday, April 1
DAY OF TRIALS
This Day in the life of Jesus
Jesus would go through a series of six trials this day: three religious and three from the Roman government. The tougher trials were not formal hearings. His inner circle of disciples could not stay awake as He prayed. He was betrayed by Judas with a kiss. Those were the trials that broke His heart.
Friday, April 2
DAY OF TRAGEDY
This Day in the life of Jesus
Good Friday seems to be a strange way to describe this day. It was not a Good Friday for Jesus. It could have been good for the Roman leaders who thought they had gotten rid of a perceived trouble maker, or Jewish leaders that a perceived threat had been eliminated. It was actually a good day for all of us. Without the crucifixion there is no forgiveness of sins. Without the cross there is no hope.
