It is holy week of the Easter celebration. The day after the triumphant entry where Jesus was celebrated and hailed as the coming king of heaven as told of through prophecy. So many points lead us and others, especially those who were there that day, to see the passion of this hero.
Monday and Tuesday of Easter week finds Jesus teaching some very important and difficult lessons, but before I share those happenings, I share part of the story that stands out to me.
Jesus was God, but Jesus was also human. That is what made this man stand out. Can you imagine the heaviness of the week? Can you imagine being deity and knowing that the coming days were going to be hard and life changing. Jesus kept on, followed the Father’s direction all the while helping others see the gravity of faith.
On Monday Jesus went to the temple. It was an incredible word that we still need to hear today.
Matthew 21:12-13 NLT
Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out all the people buying and selling animals for sacrifice. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves. 13 He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves!”
Make sure that the temple, the place where we worship, is used for what it is for. But is that really the back story? I believe that at this place the rich and the religious were taking great advantage of the poor. Jesus said this was 100% wrong. And this man’s life was always turned in a way give people the understanding that each person’s life has value which is not based on birth or possessions.
It was on Tuesday of Easter week that Jesus when to the Mount of Olives.
Matthew 21:18-22 NLT
In the morning, as Jesus was returning to Jerusalem, he was hungry, 19 and he noticed a fig tree beside the road. He went over to see if there were any figs, but there were only leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” And immediately the fig tree withered up. 20 The disciples were amazed when they saw this and asked, “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?” 21 Then Jesus told them, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. 22 You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.”
Have faith. It is not always true what you see on the outside. Just like the fig tree, be careful how you judge, be careful what you ask for. Make sure you bear the right fruit, seek the Lord and continue to pray.
Both days of Easter week remind us of the importance the Son of God. This week would change the world for ever. This week changed and shape our lives.
Take some time and focus on Jesus this holy week, Easter is before us. Jesus gave His life for us. He taught what we needed to hear and still need. Focus on Jesus as there is more to come!
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