Sunday (5th April) is “Palm Sunday”, the beginning of “Holy Week” when some of us would normally visit a church or watch a live Easter service on Songs of Praise, and share times with friends and family. As we will not be able to mark Easter as usual, I thought that I would write something which you could read on the appropriate day if you wish.                                                            

 

 

Sunday 5th April – Palm Sunday Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey,  the transport of the poor. He is welcomed by people waving palm branches, the sign of victory. Jesus was no ordinary peasant on a donkey, nor was   He entering Jerusalem to set up some earthly kingdom as some thought, but to establish the kingdom of God.    (Mark 11:1-11)

 

 

Monday 6th April Jesus entered the temple in Jerusalem and rebuked those selling, or should I say mis-selling sacrifices.  Jesus knew why He was there and what this journey would mean for him. (Mark 11:12-19)

 

 

Tuesday 7th April Jesus returns to the temple where His authority is brought into question giving Jesus the opportunity to explain who He is. These events cover almost 3 chapters in the bible. (Mark 11:27-chapter 13:37)

 

 

Wednesday 8th April Jesus is at the house of Simon the leper and Mary went to Jesus with an alabaster box of nard oil, which she pours over the feet of Jesus. Both the box and the oil were expensive.  Then she wiped His feet with her hair, an act of humility. (John 12: 1 - 8)

 

 

Maundy Thursday 9th April Jesus and His disciples share what is known as  “The Last Supper”. Jesus explains that he is to be crucified. Then he prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, was arrested and Peter denied knowing Him. (Mark 14:12-72)

 

 

Good Friday 10th April Jesus is crucified on a wooden cross. So why is this Good? Christians believe that Jesus died not for his wrongs but for ours, so that we might find forgiveness – That’s really good 

(Mark 15:1-47)

 

 

Easter Saturday 11th April I think of this as the in-between day, mourning what has gone and wondering what’s to come. Even there, God was present

 

 

Easter Sunday 12th April  Christ is risen Hallelujah! Out of the darkness of Friday and Saturday comes the brightness of resurrection (Mark 16:1-14)

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Isaac Watts ended his famous hymn “When I survey the wondrous Cross” with these words “love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all”

 

David Hughes, Bourne