“Just the time I feel that I’ve been caught in the mire of self; just the time I feel my mind’s been bought by worldly wealth, that’s when the breeze begins to blow; I know the Spirit’s call.
And all my worldly wanderings just melt into His love.”
Steve Green
How poignant are the words and deeds of Jesus on the days between the accolades of Palm Sunday and the horrors of Good Friday. And how necessary for us today!
The disciples would be dealing with utter disappointment, paradigm shifts, changes in plans and occupations, a new normal and a new purpose. Sounds like some of what we’re dealing with today…
“Holy week” was Jesus’ last week on earth. He was so purposeful, cultivating potent seeds of faith and hope that would spring to life in the chaotic days to come. But little of it made sense to any of His followers who were sure there was soon to be a grand political victory ahead that would “save” them.
However, Jesus brought about an entirely different kind of victory. One that would free us from focusing this life, only on this life. In these days of COVID-19 we’re all facing how to make decisions in uncertainty; how to keep safe and wise while being helpful to others; how to mourn the state of our world and our souls; and how to make the most of this strange time while wondering about the future.
Let’s listen to some of what Jesus said and watch some of what He did in His last days when most of us would have been in fight or flight mode, stammering in self-protection and fear.
Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead a few days before Palm Sunday. This caused a huge reaction among the religious leaders who were jealous of His power and His following. So, Jesus was heading to Jerusalem at a vulnerable time. They were out to get Him. (John 11:48)
When jealousy, envy, and grasping for position take us over, what does it do to us?
What is our choice when we recognize sin in our hearts?
When someone poured out something very valuable for Jesus, Judas judged it as a waste. (John 12:4-8)
When others pour out their lives for Him, what is our response?
He spoke of different talents given to each one; how they invested, risked and used it to multiply or how they lost it. (Matthew 25:15-18)
What has He given you? What’s in your hand?
Jesus’ outrage in the temple. (Matthew 21:12,13)
Are you aware of, and attentive in God’s presence?
Warning to be ready for difficulty and false teaching. (Matthew 13:5,6)
Are you surprised by troubled times and falsehood?
These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Where are you looking for peace?
It is ASTONISHING how much Jesus emphasizes LOVE and UNITY on the days before His death. Those seem to be paramount on His heart before He dies. For His followers He gave the example of doing the lowliest thing to show care. (John 13) His kind of love is not devoid of conviction or action, and yet values even enemies because they carry the image of God. He was concerned for their need for forgiveness, justice and freedom.
Jesus’ last prayer before He went to Gethsemane shows His deep concern for how His followers treated each other and for living in the Father’s joy. (John 17)
What is our deep concern in our days of sorrow and hopelessness in this world?
Jesus was preparing His disciples for coming events in their lives. The things He is bringing into your lives now will help prepare you for what’s ahead. There is no greater grief than the crucifixion and no greater hope than the resurrection.
Take some time to consider –
What stands out to you in this weeks’ words and deeds of Jesus?
“You will be graced with the disaster your soul requires to find its way home.”
A Hell of Mercy, Tim Farrington