This week, from Palm Sunday (the Sunday before Easter) to Easter Sunday, is considered Holy Week. To me, as a Christian, Easter Sunday is the most important and exciting holiday.
Year after year we hear the story of Easter. As a little girl, sitting in Sunday school class, I can vividly remember the poster board photos shared with Jesus riding the donkey into Jerusalem, the crucifixion, the stone by the grave, and the illustration of the empty tomb. The older I got, the more real the story became. The more mature I became in my relationship with Jesus Christ, the more passionate and compassionate I became each time I read the account of what all my Savior went through for me.
I sat down today and read through each of the four gospels, and their explanation of what they witnessed during this Holy Week. Reading these four men’s account, I’m reminded how if you were to get a group of four people together, who were privy and witnessed the same situation, how each brings a different flavor and insight to the story. Yet, cognizant that the Bible is God-breathed and inspired by Him, each rendering is completely true.
While being engaged in scripture, I focused on the characteristics of Christ for each day. I would read God’s word out loud. There is just something about reading and hearing it at the same time that makes it even more alive. I want to encourage you to read the scriptures shared, spend time with The Man who died for you, and evaluate your relationship with Him.
Sunday (Palm Sunday):
- Humble
- Matthew 21:5, John 12:15
- Sure of His words (True)
- Mark 11:2-3, Matthew 21:2-3, Luke 19:30-32
- Heartbroken over those who are not saved
- Luke 19:41-44
Monday (“Temple Temper Day”, my title):
- Passionate
- Matthew 21:12-13, Luke 19:45-46
- Captivating
- Mark 11:18, Luke 19:48
Tuesday (Parable Day. Please spend the day reading these parables and praying for your eyes to be opened and mind full of wisdom from Jesus’ teachings.):
- Truthful (even recognized by those who may want to harm you)
- Matthew 22:16, Mark 12:14, Luke 20:21
- Servant
- Matthew 23:11
- Hopeful
- Matthew 24:4-14, Mark 13:5-11, Luke 21:8-19
- Forgiving
- Mark 11:25
Wednesday:
- Treasured
- Mark 14:3-9, Matthew 26:6-13
Thursday:
- Truthful
- Matthew 26:21,34
- Prayerful
- Matthew 26:36, Mark 14:35-36, Luke 22:39, John chapter 17
- Why we pray:
- To not give into temptation. Matthew 26:41, Luke 22:40
- Confident in The Father
- Matthew 26:39, 53-54, Mark 14:36, Luke 22:42
Friday (Crucifixion Day):
- Calm and Courageous (in times of trouble)
- Matthew 26:62-68, 27:11-44, Mark 15:1-32, Luke 23, John 19
- Forgiving
- Luke 23:34
- Comforting
- Luke 23:43
Saturday:
- There isn’t anything recorded about Jesus’ characteristics during His time in the tomb. There was much taking place by others, but by Christ…that’s between Him and His Daddy.
Sunday (Easter!):
- Alive!
- Matthew 28:1-15, Mark 16:2-11, Luke 24:1-12, John 20:1-8
- Captivating
- Luke 24:32
- Hungry (LOL! I had to include this. I can relate.)
- Luke 24:41
When you read through the gospels, recounting Holy Week, I’m sure that you could add to this list. Please do! There were many scenes that occurred, and other adjectives I jotted down, but when I glanced back over the notes, they weren’t characteristics as much as facts about Him.
I pray that you will dive into God’s word and soak Him up! Be a sponge. Be reflective.
Blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie