Holy Week invites us to reflect on the deeper matters of faith by revisiting the story of Jesus, especially giving attention to the events that occurred between Jesus’ entry to Jerusalem and his resurrection.

The overarching message of God’s love and forgiveness is demonstrated through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. However, the passion narrative is actually a composite of mini-episodes contributing to the central plot which reaches its crescendo with the cross and the empty tomb.

This year, as reflected on the daily events that occurred during Jesus’ pivotal week in Jerusalem, I noted a few lessons about life and faith that I want to remember:  

#1 Every temple needs cleansing now and then, including those built of brick and mortar, and those composed of flesh and blood.

#2 Live prepared and make every day count. No one knows the day nor the hour when the Lord will come, not even those who speculate on the colors of the moon.

#3 Taking up the towel and basin is simultaneously an act of service and an expression of leadership.

#4 A mandate is different than a prerogative or a preference. It is a command to be obeyed, not an option to be considered.

#5 Breaking bread around the table with friends…Those are occasions to be remembered.

#6 Jesus prayed “Not my will, but your will be done” once. I must pray those words continually because my will is so blatantly persistent.

#7 Beware of those who kiss up to you. They either have an agenda of their own, or they are in cahoots with those plotting a coup.

#8 Be faithful to God and yourself. We will be tempted daily to betray our God, our values, and our character for much less than 30 pieces of silver.

#9 Going along with the crowd is always a risky venture. Crowds seldom make wise decisions.

#10 Only borrow something when you won’t be needing it very long, sort of like when Jesus borrowed a tomb.

Each of the daily stories that comprise the big story of Holy Week has something to teach us about human nature, about sin, and about transformative faith.  The lessons we learn from the life of Jesus encourage and equip us to be better followers of Jesus.

 (Barry Howard serves as senior minister at the First Baptist Church of Pensacola.)

Next week is Holy Week, perhaps the most meaning-filled observance of the year for Christians.  It’s called Holy Week, not because we are to “act” holy, but because it is an appropriate week for us to revisit and reflect upon the redemptive ministry of Jesus.

Around the globe, Christ-followers and inquirers alike will be reflecting on the events leading up to the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  What is the significance of Holy Week for me and how can I probe its deeper meaning?

Our tradition of observing Holy Week seems to have originated in the East, emerging out of the practice of pilgrimages to Jerusalem.  Each day of Holy Week is significant.  For those of us whose faith was shaped in a Baptist tradition, at least four days call for guided reflection. Palm Sunday is a day to revisit the royal welcome extended to Jesus by the curious crowd as he entered Jerusalem. On Maundy Thursday believers recall the occasion when Jesus washed the feet of the disciples as he gave them a new mandate to love and serve.  On Maundy Thursday evening, many faith communities re-enact “the last supper” when Jesus broke bread and shared the cup with his disciples by receiving the elements of communion.  Good Friday is an occasion to feel the passion of Christ and to think on the enormity of his suffering. And Resurrection Sunday, or Easter, is a festive day to celebrate and proclaim that “Christ is risen; Christ is risen indeed!”

Because of the sequential significance of these events, Holy Week is best approached slowly, with an attitude of reverent exploration, a spiritual mood of sacred awe.  In Weldon Gaddy’s book, The Gift of Worship, he describes our opportunity to engage in a more meaningful experience of the passion of Christ: “Holy Week services bring into focus dimensions of discipleship that are missed completely by a simple leap from Palm Sunday to Easter. Worship services which take seriously the truths of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday please God because they challenge a greater commitment and a more effective ministry among the people of God.”

This year as you begin your spiritual journey through Holy Week, open your senses and your imagination to both the tragedy and the triumph of this pivotal week in history. Take time to listen to the voices of the crowd as Jesus enters the city.  Hear again the teachings of Jesus and contemplate his days in Jerusalem.  Feel the water touch your feet, taste the morsel of bread on your tongue and the sip of wine rolling over your lips. Sense the disgust of his betrayal by a friend. Smell the stench of the scourge and hear the mocking sarcasm of the trial. Grieve over the cruel injustice of his execution and experience the passion of his incomprehensible suffering.  And ultimately…consider the mysterious power of the resurrection and the hope generated by the notion that life invested in Christ cannot be extinguished, even by the reality of death.

The events of Holy Week invite and motivate us to follow Jesus, not out of religious obligation or fear of eternal damnation, but because we identify with his teaching, we resonate with his mission, and we discover a sense of belonging within his community of friends.  A slow and deliberate journey through Holy Week may re-energize your faith and inspire you to live and serve with purpose.

The word “holy” means “dedicated to God” or “set apart for a sacred purpose.” On second thought, maybe Holy Week is a week for us to “act” in a way that is holy.

(Barry Howard serves as senior pastor of the First Baptist Church in Pensacola, Florida.)