In the short period of Jesus’ ministry – three years – He accomplished a lifetime of experience. He left His throne in heaven to become fully human but remained fully God. He was born into poverty. Yet, He owned everything within heaven and earth. He was ridiculed, shamed, ignored, called a blasphemer and executed for a crime He never committed. This week I’ve been sharing some of the events that led up to Palm Sunday. There is no actual timeline, but we know that His three-year mission was set in motion by His Father/God, in the Garden of Eden. When sin entered the world, God began His plan to redeem all mankind through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, His Son. As the beginning of Holy Week will soon be upon us, it’s good to look at the back story of the things leading up to it. Throughout Lent, we take time to contemplate what happened – the good, bad and ugly of this week is an example of the true love of God and His plans for humanity.

There were countless miracles. The healing of the blind, deaf, mute. Lepers and others with incurable diseases were brought out of their anguish. Life was restored. Water was changed to amazing wine. Seas were calmed. Thousands were fed to complete satisfaction with 5 barley loaves and 3 fish. On and on we hear about the remarkable things Jesus did to show His divine power, but He wasn’t merely a superhero with remarkable powers nor a magician using tricks to draw a crowd. He was and is the Son of God. The best miracle of all is that He gave His life for the redemption of those who believe in Him.

The parables He shared, used stories that people could understand and relate to. He explained how they could apply to their everyday lives. He captured the attention of the people, including the ruling classes and religious leaders of the day. The rich and poor. Prostitutes and tax collectors and all sinners were welcomed by Him. He had a huge following. All of those things would make Him seem to be charismatic and popular. He told people how to live their lives. He gave them hope for a future here on earth and another one in heaven. He filled those three years with a lifetime of lessons for all of us. He referred to little children and their faith. He told those listening to Him, to adopt that kind of faith into their hearts. He spoke about respect for others. He laid out plans for marriage, families and relationships. He referred to the Law of Moses. He knew the scriptures because He wrote them.

It was nearing the Sabbath Day. Preparations were being made for the triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The crowds gathered for the Passover were overwhelming. They were about to greet Him with the same kind of reaction King David received when He danced through the streets. Many believed that Jesus had come to save them from oppression. Many believed He was the promised Messiah of old. Some saw Him as a radical who was spreading blasphemy throughout the city. Some plotted to set Him as an example to the people. The crowd that opened their hearts to Him on the day we now call Palm Sunday, would soon turn against Him. The sinless Son of God was in the last week of His final mission, but He will return again. I pray that He will come soon!

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR ANOTHER DAY!