The weeks and days leading up to Holy Week were filled to the brim with lessons, miracles, sermons, traveling, preparing meals for huge crowds, parables, raising Lazarus from the dead. Those things filled some of the last hours with the Savior of the world – Jesus. We often hear the stories that occurred during Holy Week. Until the triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Jesus and His band of brothers had days filled with a mission that would change the world forever. They walked to reach their destination. They slept on the ground and watched the stars at night. They had no luxury accommodations. They ate what was available to them. They had little money to fund their operation. They were like nomads, roughing it across a difficult terrain.

What exactly was going on before Palm Sunday? By this time, Jesus had been near the end of his human journey. Soon He would complete His mission. There was still so much to do. For three years, He had accomplished a great deal, yet these new ideas were cause for great division among the people – not to mention the leaders of the Sanhedrin. They would intersperse among the crowds with their trick questions, but Jesus would always have an answer for them. They could see the popularity Jesus growing with His miracles and promises of a new life with Him. In an area where Roman rule was common, there also was the government to deal with.

So, what do we learn about the man/God, Jesus, during the season of Lent? He packed a lifetime into a three-year ministry and changed the course of religion for years to come, but that was just the beginning. This week, I’d like to focus on the events leading up to Palm Sunday. During those days, stories were unfolding like crazy. Parables were the earthly stories that held heavenly meaning. It wasn’t like a bunch of folks sitting around a campfire telling tall tales. It was truth pertaining to everyday events which folks experienced. Jesus was teaching them how to live, survive, persevere. He led them to His Father God and demonstrated how to be patient, wise, content and hopeful. He gave the world hope of a much greater place. He promised and delivered an eternal life after death.

The season of Lent is winding down. Perhaps you gave up something for this time. Perhaps not. The point is that Jesus gave up so much for us. He relinquished His throne in Heaven. He came to earth in human form. He suffered pain, depression, fear, anxiety and all the negative emotions that we do – but He never sinned. He took away the sin of the world. He was the final sacrifice – the unblemished lamb required at the time of the Passover. He died once for all. Three days after his death, he came alive again. His life changed lives for all time.

In today’s world, belief in Jesus is fading, but the light will never go out. It’s our responsibility as His flock, to share the truth with others. First, we plant the seeds and then we reap the harvest. The Holy Spirit does the nurturing; the heart changing and gives us the tools to help. His inspired Word is where it begins. We are those who spread the seeds.

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR ANOTHER DAY!