Easter

Easter

" ... and they took the colt to Jesus, Then they threw their cloaks over the animal and helped Jesus get on. As He rode on, people spread their cloaks on the road. When He came near Jerusalem, at the place where the road went down the Mount of Olives, the large crowd of His disciples began to thank God and praise Him in loud voices for all the great things that they had seen: 'God bless the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory to God!' " Luke 19 - 35:38

Jesus enters Jerusalem in triumph; yet this very crowd which praises Him now will soon be shouting "Crucify Him". Why did they change their minds so quickly? Was it because of fear of the Romans and the power of the High Priests? Or were they just fooled to believe and shout out what others wanted them to? How about us today? Do we shy away from proclaiming our Christianity? Do we set an example by the way we live?

"While they were eating, Jesus took a piece of bread, gave a prayer of thanks, broke it, and gave it to His disciples. 'Take it,' He said, 'this is my body.' Then He took the cup, gave thanks to God, and handed it to them; and they all drank from it. Jesus said, 'This is my blood which is poured out for many, my blood which seals God's covenant.' " Mark 14 - 22:24

It was at this very meal that Jesus predicted that one of His disciples would betray Him. Later He tells Peter that he too will deny ever knowing Jesus. Today we face so many temptations which can lead us astray from God. Let us pray that we do not give in to these temptations.

"He went a little farther on, threw Himself face downwards on the ground, and prayed, 'My Father, if it is possible, take this cup of suffering from me! Yet not what I want, but what you want.' " Matthew 26 - 39

Jesus knew what was going to happen to Him, and although He asked His Father to take away all the suffering and the cruel death He was facing, He then accepted His Father's will for our sake. How often do we pray 'Thy will be done' ? Do we mean it? Or do we mean 'Thy will be done as long as it is what I want' ?

"Jesus was still speaking when a crowd arrived, led by Judas, one of the twelve disciples. He came up to Jesus to kiss Him. But Jesus said, 'Judas, is it with a kiss that you betray the Son of Man?' " Luke 22 - 47

Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss. Do we too not betray Him when we miss an opportunity to proclaim our Christian beliefs?

"When they had finished mocking Him, they took off the purple robe and put His own clothes back on Him. Then they led Him out to crucify Him." Mark 15 - 20

"Jesus said, 'Forgive them, Father! They don't know what they are doing.'

Jesus cried out in a loud voice, 'Father! In your hands I place my spirit!' He said this and died." Luke 23 - 34 ... 46

"I know you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is not here - He has been raised!" Mark 16 - 6

"And I will be with you always, to the end of the age." Matthew 28 - 20

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