As we enter Holy Week, not a biblical title but one I think we should take on board, as this last week of Jesus’ life as recorded for us in all four gospels is indeed ‘Holy ground’. Here we have record of his last actions, his last teachings, his intimate time with his disciples as John Records in chapters 13-17 of his gospel, his intimate time in Gethsemane with his Father and by contrast his very public humiliation at his arrest, his ‘trial’ and his death.
Luke records the following in his gospel Chapter 9 and verse 51
As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.
He did this knowing full well what he was to face there in that last week of his pre-death ministry.
Further, he did it in the light of God’s word, specifically Zechariah 9 v.9. This was perfectly planned right down to the provision of the donkey in this dramatic visual aid. Again he did this knowing what awaited him. As he rode down the Mount of Olives the welcome was thrilling as the crowds (Luke describes them as ‘the whole crowd of disciples’) burst into joyful praise for all the miracles they had seen with a form of the words prophetically penned by Zechariah
Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!
Luke 19 v.38
But there was dissention from the Pharisees, nothing new, further setting the scene for what was to come. Then in spite of the adulation of the disciples and the crowd we are brought to another ‘Holy’ moment as Jesus wept over Jerusalem and its blindness
‘If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace – but now it is hidden from your eyes.’
Luke 19 v.42
We recall that previously Jesus had wept at the grave of Lazarus, wept at the impact of death. Now he weeps at the blindness of Jerusalem that will be instrumental in taking him to the Cross. We are on ‘Holy’ ground as we are given these glimpses into the mind and heart of our Saviour.
In the rest of this week we will explore this further as we come to the climactic events that took place on Thursday, Friday and Sunday and the challenge for us as we do, is to examine our standing vis a vis Jesus.
The ‘disciples’ specifically the 12 all forsook him and fled when the going got tough and by implication many other ‘disciples’ as well, for the crowd in this great welcome was more than 12! At the end of the week there was no ‘shout’ for Jesus other than ‘Crucify!
Would you, would I have done any differently? Very sadly I think not. Indeed I am sure not.
Post the resurrection it is a very different story as we see the ‘courage’ of some of those same disciples (Acts 4 v.13). A great change!
As we enter this Holy Week let us reflect on two questions.
What will you do with Jesus?
How will you shout for him today?