Holy Week – there is no another week like it in all of history. From the triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Sunday until Jesus death on the cross and burial on Friday, it was a week packed with drama, suspense, confrontation, denial, a last supper, betrayal, mystery, horror and sorrow.
Jesus was fully God and fully man. In Him God become flesh and dwelt among us. Jesus cleared up false impressions and misunderstandings about God that had existed for centuries. All authority was His in Heaven and on earth. Yet, not once, not even on the cross, did He ever use His power and authority selfishly.
No founder of any religion has been prophesied over thousands of years with such accuracy as Jesus. No birth in recorded history had ever been like his. No other man ever spoke with such knowledge, understanding, compassion, authority and power as Jesus. He taught in parables with such simplicity that a child could understand and with such profoundness that even the most venerable priests and teachers of the law were puzzled and amazed. He cast our demons, healed diseases, restored sight to the blind, made the lame to walk again, calmed stormy seas, turned water into wine, and forgave sins
He stood before the highest authorities on earth; high priests, the Sanhedrin, governors and kings, without fear or compromise. His poise and demeanor evoked a combination of respect, awe, astonishment, fear and trembling in the powerful.
In Jesus trial before Pilate, the Governor of Judea, the crowd was offered to choose between freeing a murderer and insurrectionist named Jesus Barabbas or Jesus The Son of God. They chose Barabbas and shouted for Jesus to be crucified. What a choice! What a contrast!
Barabbas offered military and political salvation from Rome’s bondage. Jesus offered salvation from the bondage of sin and eternal life. Barabbas offered revolution. Jesus offered regeneration. Barabbas offered to save people by shedding their blood. Jesus offered to save people by shedding his own blood.
Barabbas is set free and there is no record of what happened to Him. Jesus is crucified. Yet as He is lifted up men who believe are drawn to Him. Their lives are changed forever. As Isaiah the prophet said, “Be his scourging we are healed.” Jesus rose from the dead and whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. What can we say except….
Thank you Lord for saving my soul.
Thank you Lord for making me whole.
Thank you Lord for giving to me,
Thy great salvation so rich and free
In His Love
Charles
