Why this is called "Holy Week..."

Hello Youth Group Peoples & Friends,

This week should focus a sharp spotlight on Jesus Christ, and Him alone.

 

Actually, every day should. 

 

Really. 

 

When you remember the "Hall of Faith" in Hebrews Ch. 11, we are encouraged in Hebrews 12:1-3 as follows:

 

 ¹Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, ²fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.   ³For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

 

Fourteen of us spent our weekend at the Planet Wisdom Student Conference learning about "A God you can Know."  And, I want to challenge you to go back over your study books.  When you read through all the excellent reminders of Who God is, ask yourself this question, "Do I have a relationship with God?"  Knowledge of God is not the same as having a relationship with God, made possible by His grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

 

Big difference.

 

Knowledge about someone only gets us so far.

 

That is why this week in the course of human history is so incredibly important.

 

Jesus Christ.

The Messiah.

It is ALL about Jesus Christ.

Today and every day.

 

What will you do with Jesus?  Will you trust Him today?

 

The time is short.  As Pastor Phil taught yesterday, "we are one day closer to the return of Jesus."  When we hear about end times, it is suppose to prick our hearts and instill within us a sense of urgency and devoted desire to share the Gospel, always ready and alert.

 

Rejoice in what Jesus has done in my place and yours.

And, if you don't have a relationship with Jesus Christ, trust Him today!

Why This is the Most Important Week of the Year

Faith posted by Erin Davis on 04/18/11

Yesterday marked the beginning of the seven days leading up to the resurrection of Jesus. It's called Holy Week because there's never been a more sacred seven days. 

Something huge and important happened every day this week more than 2,000 years ago, and all of it pointed to the two most significant events in all of history—Jesus' death and resurrection. As believers, this should be the most important week on our calendars. Here's a day-by-day guide to the events of the week as recorded in the gospels.

Sunday—Jesus makes His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The way that He was worshipped on this day gives us a glimpse of heaven, but the fact that those worshippers would soon turn on Him and call for His death shows us that He was a king who was deeply misunderstood.

Matthew 21:1–11, Mark 11:1–10, Luke 19:28–44, John 12:12–15

Monday—Jesus curses the fig tree.

Matthew 21:18–19, Mark 11:12–14

Jesus clears the temple.

Matthew 21:12–13, Mark 11:15–17, Luke 19:45–46

Tuesday—The disciples see the withered fig tree. Jesus takes the opportunity to teach them about faith.

Mark 11:20–25

Jesus has conflict with the Jewish leaders.

Matthew 21:23–23:39

Wednesday—The chief priests, elders, and scribes plot to kill Jesus.

Matthew 26:3–5, Mark 14:1–2, Luke 22:1–2

Judas betrays Jesus.

Matthew 26:14–16, Mark 14:10–11, Luke 22:3–6

Thursday—Jesus observed the Passover with the 12 disciples. That meal has become known as The Last Supper.

Matthew 26:20–29, Mark 14:17–23, Luke 22:14–30

Jesus washes the disciples' feet.

John 13:1–17

Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. He was honest with His Father about His anxiety but surrendered to the Father's will. He asked His friends to pray with Him, but repeatedly found them sleeping.

Matthew 26:36–46, Mark 14:32–42, Luke 22:40–46

Friday—Jesus was betrayed by Judas and arrested.

Matthew 26:47–56, Mark 14:43–52, Luke 22:47–53, John 18:2–12

Jesus stood trial.

John 18:13–14, 19–24, Matthew 27:11–14, Matthew 26:57–68, Mark 15:2–5, Mark 14:53–65, Luke 23:1–7, Luke 23:6–12

Peter denies Jesus.

Matthew 26:69–75, Mark 14:66–72, Luke 22:55–62, John 18:15–18, 25–27

Jesus is condemned to die.

Matthew 27:15–26, Mark 15:6–15, Luke 23:13–25, John 18:28–19:16

Jesus is crucified.

Matthew 27:27–54, Mark 15:16–39, Luke 23:26–49, John 19:16–37

Saturday—Jesus lay dead in the tomb.

Sunday—Jesus' resurrection was announced by angels to Mary Magdalene, Jesus' mother, and Salome.

Matthew 28:2–7, Mark 16:4–7, Luke 24:2–7

The women give the first reports that Jesus is alive.

Mark 16:10–11, Matthew 18:8

Jesus appears to the women and then to His followers.

Matthew 28:9–10, Luke 24:13–43, John 20:19–23

There's never been a more important series of events. From His triumphal entry that fulfilled prophesies about the Messiah to His object lessons about true service to His death and return to life, the events of this week should dramatically impact you. I hope you won't rush through this week, like every other week. I hope you will take the time to think about, pray about, and thank God for the historical events of this week that ultimately led to your dramatic rescue from sin and death.

This week is holy because it represents the death of a holy God in the place of unholy people. Sunday is about a coming kingdom. Monday is about the power of God. Tuesday is about faith. Wednesday is about betrayal. Thursday is about service. Friday is about sacrifice. Saturday is about resting on God's promises. Sunday is about a hope that only Jesus' followers can know and the rest of the world is dying to hear about.

How will you mark the most sacred seven days of this year?

--
Mary E.Hickcox
www.CalvaryBaptistSM.org
http://mary-neotes.blogspot.com/