Passion Week Begins

“Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

The word hosanna comes from a Hebrew word meaning “save now” or “save us, we pray.” The crowd’s use of this word at the triumphal entry was significant—especially as they waved palm branches. By saying “hosanna” as Jesus passed through the gates of Jerusalem and referring to David and David’s kingdom, the Jews were acknowledging Jesus as their Messiah. Their shouts of “hosanna in the highest” indicated the hope that their Messiah had finally come to set up God’s kingdom then and there.

Today begins my most favorite time of year, Holy Week – which leads up to Easter and celebrating the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is a time of celebrating the new life that Christ has given us and remembering the incredible price He paid for us to experience that new life in Him.

At the beginning of a new year people take time to set new goals and make resolutions. Easter is a time to refocus our hearts and spiritual lives back on the One who deserves full attention. Many things over the past year have vied for our attention, none of which brought the kind of peace that focusing completely on Jesus can do.

When the crowds shouted their praises as Jesus rode into Jerusalem they seemed to be sincere and heart felt, but within one week they changed from shouts of praise to cries for crucifixion. Their commitment was short lived just like many new year’s resolutions.

Holy week is a gift of time to walk each day with Jesus. To read about what took place over 2000 years ago as He made His way to the cross. It’s a time to reconnect with Him and experience His grace again and again.

Take time to imagine yourself right there, with Him every day as we remember each and every event that took place. Picture the events as they played out and be intentional about experiencing the passion that fills this week.

If you do this, by next Sunday, Resurrection Sunday, your heart and mind will be humbled, passionate and renewed with a desire to live for Him. You will experience His love all over again in a beautiful and personal way and your praises on Easter Sunday will be from the heart filled with true devotion to the King of Kings.

Father, I am so excited for this week of remembrance. Open our hearts to see and our ears to hear the messages that will reignite our passion for You. Let our praises be from sincere hearts that desire to live for You. Help us to follow Your examples and be a light for others to know You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Go deeper with Passion Week Readings

• Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem – Matthew 21: 1-11 Mark 11:1-10Jesus spends the night in Bethany – Mark 11:11

Make It Personal

How often do you praise God for coming into your life?