A Holy Week

This week is Holy Week. It is the week from Palm Sunday leading up to Easter where we remember the last week of Jesus’ life before his death (Good Friday) and resurrection (Easter Sunday). This is an important week in the life of the church. This is also an important week in our lives too. This is also a neglected week.

               Not neglected as in forgotten. We know it’s coming, we are getting the new Sunday outfits bought and the eggs dyed and the baskets stuffed with candy to replace what the kids are still eating Halloween. I mean it is neglected in what it means, and what it can do for us.

               Many churches, including the one where I serve as pastor, have Holy Week services each night. If you are only used to attending church at most once per week and more often a couple times per month, then a full week of church stuff can seem daunting. How in the world could you possibly fit in church every single night for an entire week? Don’t they know how busy you are?

               Hear me in the love I am saying this, those are excuses. The reason I say this is because I really believe that taking an intentional approach to Holy Week this year will help you take a few steps of growth in your faith and will bring a new awe and excitement to Easter Sunday (and the subsequent Easter season that leads up to Pentecost Sunday on May 15).

               This whole season of Lent (the 40 days leading up to Easter) has been a time reflection and prayer and giving. Maybe you are fasting from something. Maybe you are trying a new spiritual discipline. There is no better way to culminate this Lenten season and prepare for Easter than to come together with a local church and journey Holy Week together. Experience the stories of Jesus’ last week, the stories of his great love and his mighty power.

               Slow down this Holy Week. The craziness of your schedule will still be there Monday March 28.

               I know that not everyone is physically able to get to church every night next week, so I want to include here some readings to help guide your Holy Week also.

               Sunday: Luke 19:28-40

               Monday: John 12:1-11

               Tuesday: John 12:20-36

               Wednesday: John 13: 21-32

               Thursday: John 13:1-17

               Friday: John 18-19 (yes, both chapters)

               Saturday: Matthew 27:57-66

               I also want to encourage you to attend a community Good Friday Service which will be held at First Baptist Church, 201 East Main Street, Jonesborough at noon on March 25.

               Stretch yourself a little this Holy Week. Give a little more this Holy Week. Love a little deeper this Holy Week. Forgive sincerely this Holy Week. And come together with other people here in your community and walk this week together. And as you do, may you grow in the grace and love our Lord and Savior.