Editors Note: Disciples Today is publishing this brief Quiet Time series for those who would like a guide to walking through "Passion Week" in the footsteps of Jesus. Please see the other days of the week for further study: Monday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday.
To deepen your study, consider these options:
Tuesday: A Hero's Welcome -- A Savior's Heart
Luke 19: 28-40: Jesus received a hero's welcome into Jerusalem on Sunday. During the week his authority and character were questioned and tested. What events do you think possibly happened on Tuesday? By Friday the crowds were yelling "Crucify him!" and were begging for the convicted murderer Barabbas to be released in his place. Jesus knew this betrayal was coming. How did he let people's opinions of him effect him, his love for them and his relationship with God?
Application:
We have lived through days when it is popular to follow Jesus and when popularity, motivation and excitement wane. Are you spiritually, emotionally and physically prepared for difficult times? Are you preparing your heart to be consistent and loving in spite of what others may say and do?
God says:
John 15:20 - Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.'
Luke 19:41-48 - As Jesus entered Jerusalem he wept because, "You did not recognize the time of God's coming to you.." The people in Jerusalem were preparing for Passover and gathering at the Temple with their lambs to sacrifice. Even as they were following the futility of the Law, God was preparing the perfect sacrifice for the forgiveness of their sins. (Hebrews 9 & 10)
Apprication:
We all desire to be close to God and yet somtetimes we miss the most precious and powerful opportunities he provides. Going through Easter holiday with its man-made traditions and our own familiarity can dull us and we can miss the deeper meaning and importance of Jesus' death, burial and resurrection.
God says:
1 Corinthians 15:1-5 Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. by this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve.
Personal decision and action: (Take time to apply this passage to your life today.)
Prayer: Write your own prayer to God