The Way It Was

Luke 19:28-40, Philippians 2:5-11 In the Bible, Holy Week began with a parade on Palm Sunday and ended with the silence of the Garden tomb on Saturday. During the week Jesus taught and prepared his disciples for his death and resurrection. On Thursday night he ate the Last Supper with them and then prayed outside. Jesus was betrayed that same night by Judas, one of his disciples, and he was arrested and led away. Throughout the night and early Friday morning, Jesus was tried and sentenced to death. He was mocked, beaten, and led to the place of execution. On Friday afternoon he died and before sunset he was buried in the Garden tomb. It was a busy and unusual week. The energy and excitement of Palm Sunday changed to the horror of the suffering and death of Jesus on Good Friday. And then on Saturday there is silence. Of course the next day is Easter, the day of resurrection and the empty tomb. But before we can fully appreciate the good news of Easter, it is important for us to make a connection with the pain and suffering of Jesus during Holy Week. It is important for us to remember the way it was. It might help us to consider the way it should have been. There should have been cheering and a warm welcome for Jesus, not just on Palm Sunday, but during the whole week. He should not have been betrayed and arrested. There should not have been a trial or a crucifixion. Jesus should have been welcomed and worshiped by the people of Jerusalem. But Palm Sunday was the only day he got that reception.. It was downhill from there. We can recreate the way it should have been during this week. On Palm Sunday we can lift the palm branches and offer our hearts of praise to God. We can remember the Last Supper and the words of Jesus, who said, “Do this in remembrance of me.” We can be thankful that we have that memory. We can also remember the story of the death of Jesus and know that his death is our door to God’s grace. That is the way it is. As we remember the way it was and the way it is, we can be grateful that God gives us grace through Jesus Christ. We can also hear the challenge to be God’s servants. We can give our lives for the service of God through Jesus Christ, because Christ gave his life for us. That is the way it should be.