Tag Archives: Holy Week

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Confrontation and Hope: Lessons from Tuesday of Holy Week

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Imagine the tension in Jerusalem. Just two days ago, Jesus entered the city to cheers and palm branches. Yesterday, He flipped tables and called out religious corruption. And today? He’s stepping into the fire even more.

Tuesday of Holy Week is often called a day of confrontation and teaching. The religious leaders—Pharisees, Sadducees, teachers of the law—are furious with Jesus. They try to trap Him with tricky questions, hoping to discredit Him. But Jesus? He doesn’t back down. Instead, He speaks bold truth—about faith, about hypocrisy, and about the coming kingdom of God.

Hope That Doesn’t Waver

If there was ever a day when Jesus could have played it safe, it was this one. The cross was coming. The religious leaders were plotting. The pressure was intense. But Jesus stood firm. He didn’t shrink back from speaking truth, even when it made people uncomfortable.

And that gives us hope.

Because let’s be real—faith isn’t always easy. Sometimes standing for truth means standing alone. Sometimes following Jesus means facing criticism, rejection, or even doubt. But Tuesday of Holy Week reminds us: Jesus didn’t waver, and because of Him, we don’t have too either.

Hope That Sees Beyond Today

One of the most powerful moments of this day happens when Jesus and His disciples are walking near the Temple. The disciples marvel at its beauty, its massive stones, its seemingly unshakable presence. But Jesus tells them something shocking:

“Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down” (Matthew 24:2).

To them, the Temple was permanent—a symbol of stability. But Jesus saw the bigger picture. He knew that in just a few decades, the Temple would be destroyed. And He knew that even beyond that, everything in this world is temporary—except for one thing: the Lord.

That’s the hope we hold onto today. Everything else may shift, but Jesus never will.

Hope That Calls Us to Be Ready

On this day, Jesus also taught about His return. He warned His followers to stay awake, alert, and ready—not in fear, but in faith. He didn’t want them to be caught off guard when trials came or when He came back.

And the same is true for us.

It’s easy to put our hope in things that feel stable—jobs, relationships, routines. But only Jesus is unshakable. His truth never fades. His promises never fail. And He is coming again.

So, what does that mean for us today?

Walking in Hope Today

Jesus knew the cross was coming close. He knew the pressure was mounting. But He didn’t retreat—He pressed on in truth, in boldness, in love. And because of that, we have a hope that can never be shaken.

So today, no matter what pressures you face, stand firm. Hold onto Jesus. Because His words will never pass away.

Thanks for reading.

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Transformative Insights from Jesus’ Parables

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Today, let’s dive into two powerful parables told by Jesus that carry some profound lessons: the Parable of the Two Sons and the Parable of the Wicked Tenants. Both stories are not just ancient tales; they offer insights that are incredibly relevant to our lives today.

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The Parable of the Two Sons

In this parable, a father asks his two sons to go work in the vineyard. The first son initially refuses but later changes his mind and goes to work. The second son agrees to help but never shows up. When Jesus asks which son did the father’s will, the answer is clear: it’s the first son, who ultimately took action (Matthew 21:28-32).

What’s interesting here is how the first son’s change of heart represents repentance. We often say “yes” to doing the right thing but can hesitate when it comes to taking action. On the flip side, the second son symbolizes those who may appear obedient but fail to follow through. Jesus highlights that it’s not just our words but our actions that truly matter.

The Parable of the Wicked Tenants

Now, let’s talk about the Parable of the Wicked Tenants. In this story, a landowner plants a vineyard and leases it to some tenants. When it’s time to collect the fruit, the tenants refuse to give the owner his share. They beat and kill the servants he sends to collect what’s owed. Finally, the owner sends his son, thinking they will respect him, but they kill him too (Matthew 28:33-44)!

This parable packs a punch. It illustrates how the tenants—representing the religious leaders of the time—rejected not only the prophets sent by God but also His Son, Jesus. The story emphasizes the consequences of our choices, especially when we disregard what is right. It also showcases God’s immense patience and love, despite being wronged time and again.

What Can We Take Away?

Both parables challenge us to reflect on our own lives. Are we like the first son, ready to repent and take action when we realize we’ve strayed? Or do we find ourselves saying one thing and doing another like the second son?

Similarly, the wicked tenants remind us that there are repercussions for ignoring responsibilities and turning away from truth. It’s a call to recognize the value of the gifts and opportunities we’ve been given, and to respect the “owners” in our lives—whether that’s God, our family, or our community.

So, what can we do with these lessons? First, let’s commit to being authentic in our actions. If we’ve made promises, let’s follow through. If we’ve strayed from the path, it’s never too late to change course.

Second, let’s cultivate a heart of gratitude and responsibility. Appreciate the blessings around you and don’t take them for granted. Whether it’s your job, relationships, or community, show up and give your best.

Finally, let’s discuss these parables with others. Share your thoughts, ask questions, and encourage each other to live out these lessons in daily life.

Let’s take these stories to heart and strive to be the kind of people who not only say “yes” to doing good but actually follow through. What actions will you take today to live out these parables? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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Hope and Transformation: Jesus Flips Tables in Our Lives

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Yesterday, the streets of Jerusalem were filled with cheers and celebration. But today? Things are taking a dramatic turn. Jesus, the humble King who rode into the city on a donkey, is now turning over tables in the temple. Can you imagine the scene? Coins scatter, doves take flight, merchants scramble to gather their goods. Jesus’ voice echoes through the courtyard, filled with righteous anger.

This is a side of Jesus we don’t talk about as much. We love to think about His compassion, His gentleness. But here, we see His passion for holiness, His hatred of injustice, and His commitment to true worship. And, we can find much hope.

Hope That Cleanses

Jesus wasn’t just flipping tables—He was cleansing the temple. He was making space for what mattered. And He wants to do the same in our hearts.

The Bible says that because of Jesus, we are now the temple of God (1 Corinthians 6:19). That means our lives—our hearts, our minds, our actions—are meant to be a place where God’s presence dwells.

But let’s be honest. Sometimes our “temples” get cluttered. Maybe it’s a habit we know isn’t honoring God. Maybe it’s bitterness we’ve been holding onto. Maybe it’s the way we’ve let busyness drown out time with Jesus. Whatever it is, Jesus wants to cleanse it—not to condemn us, but to free us.

When Jesus flipped the tables that day, He wasn’t just making a statement. He was offering an invitation—an invitation to real, undistracted, intimate worship. And He offers the same to us today.

Hope That Calls Us Higher

It’s easy to place our hope in external things—a perfect church service, a daily checklist of spiritual habits, or even in being a “good” Christian. But Jesus reminds us that hope isn’t found in rituals; it’s found in relationship. He calls us beyond surface-level faith into something deeper, something truer.

As we continue through Holy Week, let’s take time to let Jesus do some table-flipping in our own lives.

Walking in Hope Today

Jesus cleansed the temple because He wanted people to encounter God without barriers. And that’s what He wants for you, too. So today, let’s invite Him in—not just to tidy up, but to transform.

Because when Jesus is at the center, hope has room to flourish.

Thanks for reading.

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Jesus Clears the Temple: A Lesson in Forgiveness

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“When they arrived back in Jerusalem, Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out the people buying and selling animals for sacrifices. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves, and he stopped everyone from using the Temple as a marketplace. He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer for all nations,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves” (Mark 11:15-17).

It was commonplace in Jesus’ day for the outer courtyard of the Temple to be a marketplace. Merchants had a variety of animals available for purchase. They were turning the need for sacrifice into a business; however, Jesus brings an end to it today.

The Gospel writers tell us Jesus entered the Temple with a whip in hand. He overturned tables and prevented merchants from moving about. Basically, Jesus cleaned house. And, in doing so, reminds us all forgiveness is free.

The Bible reminds us forgiveness is free. It is a gift given to us by the Lord. Ephesians 2:8 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God. “

As you begin the work week, remember to pause and thank the Lord for his gift of grace.

Thanks for reading.

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Hope and Victory on Palm Sunday: Embracing Jesus’ Promise

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As the donkey brought Jesus into the city, the crowd erupted with excitement. In John 12:13, it says, “They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the king of Israel!’”

Today is a huge day—it’s the result of over three years of Jesus’ ministry, leading up to this moment. He’s not just any king; he’s the king everyone’s been waiting for. But here’s the twist: his kingdom is nothing like what people expected.

The folks in Israel were hoping for a leader who would kick the Romans out and bring back their freedom. They thought that was the answer to their struggles. But Jesus had a different plan. He wasn’t just about tackling a political enemy; he came to defeat the real enemy—death itself. His arrival isn’t just about a new government; it’s about ushering in a whole new way of life.

So today, we’re celebrating the announcement of this incredible kingdom—a kingdom that strikes a blow against death and despair. Because of King Jesus, we have real hope:

  • Hope for eternal life: Death isn’t the end; it’s just the beginning of something amazing.
  • Hope of seeing our loved ones again: We can trust that we’ll be reunited with those we’ve lost.
  • Hope during tough times: The challenges we face now are temporary, and they’re leading to a glory that far exceeds our struggles.

As we celebrate Palm Sunday, let’s hold onto this hope. It’s a guiding light in a world that can feel dark and overwhelming. Let’s embrace the joy of knowing that through Jesus, we’re part of a kingdom where love wins and where we have victory over death. So, let’s celebrate with hearts full of gratitude and excitement for the incredible future we have in Christ!

Thanks for reading.

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Finding True Hope in Challenging Times

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CLICK HERE For FREE RESOURCE: Hope is Alive: A Devotional Journey through Holy Week!

Close your eyes for a moment and picture the scene. The streets of Jerusalem are buzzing with excitement. The air is filled with the voices of people shouting, celebrating, hoping. A humble man on a donkey makes His way through the crowd. He isn’t wearing a royal robe or riding a war horse. There’s no army marching behind Him. And yet, the people lay their cloaks on the road before Him, waving palm branches in a joyful, expectant welcome.

This is Jesus, the long-awaited Messiah. The people cry out, “Hosanna!”—a word that means “Save us!” They had been waiting for a king, someone to overthrow the Romans and restore their nation. And in this moment, as Jesus enters the city, their hopes are soaring.

But here’s the thing—Jesus was about to save them in a way they never expected.

Hope That Rides a Donkey

Jesus wasn’t like the kings they had known. He didn’t come in power and force; He came in humility and peace. That’s why He rode a donkey. In ancient times, conquering kings rode mighty stallions, but a donkey was a symbol of peace. Jesus wasn’t coming to take over Rome—He was coming to take over sin and death.

And isn’t that just like Him? He doesn’t always show up in the ways we expect, but He always shows up in the ways we need.

The people on the streets of Jerusalem had no idea that in just a few days, their “Hosanna!” would turn into “Crucify Him!” (Matthew 27:22). Their hope was built on a temporary rescue, but Jesus came to bring an eternal one.

Hope That Lasts

Think about your own life for a moment. Have you ever placed your hope in something, only to have it fall apart? Maybe you thought a relationship, a job, or a dream would be the thing that finally made everything okay. But then it didn’t work out the way you planned, and you were left wondering if hope was ever real to begin with.

Palm Sunday reminds us that true hope isn’t found in circumstances. It isn’t found in power or success. It isn’t even found in our best ideas of how life should go. True hope is found in a Person—Jesus.

The same Jesus who entered Jerusalem that day knowing He would suffer and die is the same Jesus who walks with us in our struggles today. He doesn’t promise a life free of hardship, but He does promise victory over it.

Hope That Calls Us to Trust

The crowd that welcomed Jesus that day expected Him to fix their present problems. When He didn’t meet their expectations, they turned away. How often do we do the same? When life gets hard, when prayers seem unanswered, when hope feels distant—do we trust that Jesus is still good?

Palm Sunday invites us to shift our hope from what we want God to do to who He is.

Jesus may not always answer the way we expect, but He will always give us what we need—Himself. His presence, His love, His victory over sin and death. That’s the kind of hope that can’t be shaken.

Walking in Hope This Week

Jesus is here. He is the King who brings peace, the Savior who brings true rescue. And because of what He did this week, we have hope that never fades.

Hosanna! Our King has come!

Thanks for reading.

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Feeling Abandoned and Lonely

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“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” This was his cry as the weight of life pressed down overbearing him. He felt completely alone and abandoned. He cried out, but there was no one. No one there; no one to pay attention to his needs. His enemies encircled him. He had nowhere to go, and he was met with silence. His cries seemed to only echo in the wind.

For most, when we think the above phrase and the emotions, we can assume came with it, we think of Jesus on the cross, and we should (more on that in a moment). But they were also David’s words and emotions. Amid intense suffering, David cries out to the Lord only to be met with silence. The weight of life coupled with the silence of God is unbearable for David, so he cries out, “Why God?”

David certainly isn’t the only one with this experience. Feeling the unbearable pressure of life is common; we all face it. We may feel forsaken by the Lord as life crumbles around us. The person who has lost 6 family members in the past year may feel abandoned. The family whose home and possessions were blown away by this week’s tornado may feel lost and lonely. The weight of life may be overbearing and pressing down so violently that we are crying out, “Why God?”

In these moments we can find courage though. We can find our courage by looking at the cross and Jesus.

You see, looking at the cross helps us realize Jesus understands how we feel. No one, including Jesus, desires to go through times of abandonment, loneliness, and deep sorrow in life. This is why Jesus prayed if it was possible for the cup to pass from him, yet the time on the cross came. We are unable to fully comprehend the agony of that experience. We comprehend just enough to understand those hours on the cross were excruciating. Jesus endured the misery of the cross, so he knows how we feel when it seems the full weight of life is pressing down on us. And, he has promised he will be there with us.

Hebrews 13:5 says, “For God has said,

“I will never fail you.
    I will never abandon you.” Looking at the cross gives us courage in knowing Jesus understands how we feel.

Looking at the cross also gives us courage in knowing vindication is coming. On that day, as Jesus endured the full weight of God’s wrath, he knew vindication would come. He knew victory was on the way, and this would not be the last word. His despair would be replaced with peace and his agony would be replaced with joy. Speaking of Jesus, Hebrews 12:2 says, “Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” The cross was definitely not the end.

The cross was followed by an empty tomb and risen Savior. As Jesus felt the full wrath of God on the cross, he looked ahead to the awaiting vindication. As we are under the unbearable weight of life’s pressure, we too can look ahead to vindication because of the cross. This season will be followed by a victorious one.

Psalm 22 begins with a cry of despair, but it does not end there. It ends with a proclamation of victory. Verse 24 says:

“For he has not ignored or belittled the suffering of the needy.
    He has not turned his back on them,
    but has listened to their cries for help.”

When it seems, we are crushed and there is no escape, we can look to the cross and Jesus for victory. If life has you crushed and feeling like there’s no way out, concentrate on the cross and Jesus.

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Dirty Work

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I’ve been watching the series Dirty Jobs. Mike Rowe spends time with men and women who have jobs considered to be dirty. Worm farmers, garbage collectors, and junk yard workers are just a few of the individuals Rowe follows. In one episode, he is working with a sewer inspector for the city of San Francisco. The inspector is tasked with finding weak spots in the sewer system. The work requires manually inspecting the underground tunnels carrying the sewage. It is definitely dirty; walking in raw sewage amid the rats and roaches is not the ideal place for a stroll. However, the work must be done. If the sewage system collapsed, it would cause havoc for the city. The inspector does what needs to be done even though it might be a little dirty.

Jesus too does what needs to be done even though it might be a little dirty.

Jesus’ Dirty Job

The excitement of the week was reaching its climax as Jesus and his disciples dined in the upper room. John’s Gospel tells us it was time for dinner, and Jesus got up to wash his disciples’ feet. We don’t know why one of the disciples had not already performed this ordinary act of hygiene. Perhaps they were focused on discussing the week’s events or they could have been arguing about who was the greatest. No matter the reason, this essential task was left undone. So, Jesus wraps a towel around himself and washes everyone’s feet.

This is an amazing example of Jesus’ humility. This dirty job was usually reserved for the lowest servant in the household. No one really wants to wash feet that have been in sandals all day. These feet have been on dusty roads plowing through manure and mud so it is vital they be cleaned, but who really wants to grab the pitcher and towel to clean them. It was a dirty and humiliating task, but Jesus does it. He’s not above the work or too good for it. He sees the need and does something about it. He’s not afraid to get dirty.

Don’t be afraid to get dirty.

The Bible encourages us to follow Jesus’ example of not being afraid to get dirty.

  • Mark 9:35 says, “He sat down, called the twelve disciples over to him, and said, “Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.”
  • Mark 10:42-45 says, “42 So Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. 43 But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Life can certainly be messy. Folks may have the “manure” of a messy past or the “mud” of guilt and heartache on their “feet.” Their “feet” are in need of washing, but they need someone to help them understand how to wash them. This is where Christ-followers come in sharing the Good News which can cleanse their “feet.” It may require humility; it may require patience, and it may mean a stroll through life’s messiness. As we drudge through the messiness, we can use Christ’s dirty jobs an example and encouragement.

Not only was Jesus willing to wash the disciples feet, he was willing to do the work of the cross. Scripture reminds us this was humiliating, painful, and outright torture. Yet it was essential. Jesus knew the need for the cross, and he wasn’t afraid to do the dirty work.

In what ways is the Lord calling you to help someone wash their feet?

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Sunday…A Risen Hope

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Don’t look for the living among the dead.

As the sun rose, the ladies were up and gathering spices. They planned to give Jesus as proper of a burial as they could. They didn’t find what they were expecting when they arrived at the tomb.

Luke 24 says, “They found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance, so they went in, but they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. As they stood there puzzled, two men suddenly appeared to them clothed in dazzling robes. The women were terrified and bowed with their faces to the ground, then the men asked, ‘Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? He isn’t here. He has risen from the dead. Remember what he told you back in Galilee. That the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again on the third day.’ Then they remembered that he had said this, so they rushed back from the tomb to tell his eleven disciples, and everyone else, what had happened.”

This would have been quite a scene. The disciples were still processing events and trying to figure out what to do next. Suddenly the door flies open and Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James rushed in followed by several other women. Perhaps all talking at once as they gave the exciting news to the Apostles.

Put yourself in the room. What would have you thought? What did the disciples think?

Luke 24:11-12 says, “But the story sounded like nonsense to the men, so they didn’t believe it. However, Peter jumped up and ran to the tomb to look. Stooping, he peered in and saw the empty linen wrappings. Then he went home again, wondering what had happened.”

The news seemed like nonsense to the disciples. They thought the ladies were so grief-stricken they were hallucinating. It certainly would have taken me a minute to grasp everything the ladies were saying, so I can understand the disciples struggle.

It took a minute, but the disciples started to grasp the fact Jesus was no longer in the tomb. He had risen. The hope they thought they lost on Friday is found.

The same hope is still here today. We celebrate today because Jesus has struck a death blow to death. Enemies defeated; Jesus is preparing Heaven for our arrival. That is what we celebrate today.

Our celebrations may look different than previous years. No matter the look or size of the celebration, the hope is the same. We can celebrate an eternal hope in Christ Jesus, who has risen, and that is worth celebrating.

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Saturday…In Between

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In between hopeless and hopeful.

Yesterday was Friday, and it was an eventful day for the disciples. They watched as Jesus was crucified, and it was an emotionally draining day. They are unaware tomorrow is Sunday, and it too will be an eventful day. Today, Saturday, the disciples are in between. They are in between hopelessness and hopefulness. They are recovering from a devastating week, and they must decide what to do next.

Some of them go back to the only thing they know. They go back to fishing. If only they were aware of tomorrow’s events. They could anticipate what was to come.

Life sometimes puts us in between. We find ourselves having to recover from devastation. We are in between illnesses and healthy tomorrows. We are in between a broken heart and great relationship. We are in between loss and life after the loss. We are in a season when we must decide what to do.

Thankfully, we have hope because Sunday has already come. We can base our decisions on hope. We can anticipate what the Lord is going to do. As you find yourself in between, cling to the hope that you have in Christ.

Cling to this hope that will never erode or fade, never perish or spoil. As you are in between, cling to this hope that is eternal and in Christ.

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