The week of March 28 –
April 4, 2021 is known as Holy Week. These eight days are the most
solemn and glorious week in all of Christianity…and the world. There are
several key events that take place that commemorate the final days of Jesus’
life. We’ll see before us the New Covenant, supreme sacrifice, death, burial
and resurrection of Jesus Christ, Messiah, and Son of God. Let’s take a
look at the events of the week following Palm Sunday:
PALM SUNDAY: This great day of proclamation known as the “Triumphal Entry” is Jesus revealing himself, once and for all, to the world that He is the Messiah, Savior and Lord. Jesus is strategically riding on a donkey instead of a horse as a sign. We read in 1 Kings 1:33 and Zachariah 9:9-10 that Kings rode donkey to symbolize that they come in peace and not to wage war.
The same is true for Palm trees as the branches were seen as symbols of victory and triumph. People begin to lay down their cloaks and strip palm branches off the trees to lay in the pathway of Jesus. That too, is symbolic, as laying down your cloaks (branches) before the King was a public display of submission to his rule/authority.
Therefore, we can join with the crowd that gathered that day, to shout “hosanna” and to repeat the words of Matthew 21:9, “"Hosanna to the Son of David!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Hosanna in the highest heaven!"
HOLY THURSDAY: Jesus sets the example. Jesus introduces the new covenant (Holy Communion) by telling his Disciples to both “eat” and “drink” His body and blood given and shed for them (and for us). They proceed to the Mount of Olives, where, in the middle of the night, Jesus is arrested and the Disciples scatter.
GOOD FRIDAY: Jesus is nailed to the cross and remains there from 9:00AM to 3:00PM. Jesus dies, and his work is fully complete. Jesus has become both our sacrificial lamb and scapegoat. He carried our sins and died for us, once and for all. Our debt has been paid. Jesus has made full atonement for us.
Friday is also a time to recount the seven last phrases spoken by Christ from the Cross. Jesus said, "Father forgive them" (Luke 23:34), "Today you will be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:43), "Woman, here is your son” (John 19:26-27), "My God, why have you forsaken me?" (Mark 15:34), "I am thirsty" (John 19:28), "It is finished" (John 19:30), and "Into your hands I commend my spirit" (Luke 23:46).
HOLY SATURDAY: As the body of Christ rests within the tomb, He is alive in spiritual power by continuing his redemptive work by descending into world of the dead to make “proclamation to the imprisoned spirits” (1 Peter 3:19-20). Jesus has won the ultimate victory over sin, evil and death!
Jesus has annihilated the enemy and Satan is soundly defeated. We proclaim the words of 1 Corinthians 15:55-57, “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
EASTER SUNDAY: Easter morning is an occasion of great joy and renewal. Christ has risen! Jesus is alive! Our death is no longer final, nor should it be feared. Eternal life is truth! We joyously celebrate the resurrection of Christ, the Ascension of Christ, and the giving of the Holy Spirit.
The decisive victory of Jesus cannot help but make us rejoice with the words of Charles Wesley (Christ the Lord is Risen Today), saying “Loves redeeming work is done, Alleluia! Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia! Death in vain forbids him rise, Alleluia! Christ has opened paradise, Alleluia!
We can now celebrate the fulfilled promise that God is now accessible to all who will repent and come to him through Jesus' sacrificial death. Let us rejoice and share such great news of God’s redeeming work through His Son, Jesus Christ! As the mystery of our faith states, “Christ has died, Christ has Risen, Christ shall come again.” Hallelujah!