Monday, April 3, 2023

Holy Week - It's All About Love

Source: ImageBank
This week is considered Holy Week. Do not take this for granted, for they are many who still do not realize the significance of this week and the actual events that transpired. I'll never forget the time at work when I told one of my employees about Good Friday. He was not familiar with the term and the meaning of the day. Back then, I felt nervous about sharing, but I shared anyway.

Here's a summary of what transpired this week:
Sunday - Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. Jesus' triumphal entry is recorded in Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-44, and John 12:12-19.
Monday - Jesus Clears the Temple, and the religious leaders wanted to kill Him. Monday's events are recorded in Matthew 21:12–22, Mark 11:15–19, Luke 19:45-48, and John 2:13-17.
Tuesday - Jesus Goes to the Mount of Olives and preaches the Olivet Discourse. Tuesday was also the day Judas negotiated with the Sanhedrin to betray Jesus (Matthew 26:14-160. The events of Tuesday and the Olivet Discourse are recorded in Matthew 21:23–24:51, Mark 11:20–13:37, Luke 20:1–21:36, and John 12:20–38.
Wednesday - Jesus and His disciples rest in Bethany in preparation for Passover.
Thursday - Maundy Thursday; Jesus has Passover and Last Supper in the Upper Room. Thursday's events are recorded in Matthew 26:17–75, Mark 14:12-72, Luke 22:7-62, and John 13:1-38.
Friday - Good Friday; Jesus' Trial, Crucifixion, Death, and Burial. Friday's events are recorded in Matthew 27:1-62, Mark 15:1-47, Luke 22:63-23:56, and John 18:28-19:37.
Saturday - A day of mourning and sadness; Jesus is in the tomb. Saturday's events are recorded in Matthew 27:62-66, Mark 16:1, Luke 23:56, and John 19:40.
Sunday - Jesus' Resurrection; the reason for Easter Sunday. Sunday's events are recorded in Matthew 28:1-13, Mark 16:1-14, Luke 24:1-49, and John 20:1-23.

Thursday resonates a lot with me, a day often called Maundy Thursday. Thursday is what prompted me to write my book, The Comfort of Night. Thursday was pivotal for the remainder of the week. 

The word Maundy is unique and has a gravitas that rolls off the tongue. Maundy comes from the Latin word mandatum, which translates to “commandment.” The commandment given that day occurred at the Last Supper that Jesus had with his disciples. During that meal, He washed their feet, an incredibly humbling experience and one that demonstrated what he would say soon after. Prior to imparting the new commandment, Jesus was troubled in His spirit because he knew that Judas, one of the disciples, would betray Him. The others did not know, but when He gave Judas the sop (a piece of bread dipped in broth), they all knew. 

Upon receiving the sop, the scriptures say, "He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night"  (John 13:30). Such poignancy. Judas went from being surrounded by the light and love of Jesus into the darkness of the night. Absent from Jesus, there is darkness. And it was night.

After Judas left, He told them, "A new commandment I give unto you that ye love one another, as I have loved you" (John 13:34-35). Even though Judas was about to betray Him, Jesus loved Judas and all that were with him. This is the significance of Maundy Thursday - love lovingly driving out the darkness.

I must confess that when this week started, the events of this week in Biblical times were not top of mind. I was dulled to what was important: love. Love in the form of sacrifice, humility, and obedience as exemplified by the One that we celebrate on Easter Sunday. We've used our things and our positions to insulate us from our palpable need for love. I sometimes wish that I lived in Biblical times, where life was relatively simpler, and I had the opportunity to physically interact with Jesus. To be reminded of the important things. To see Him heal. To be comforted by Him. To fellowship with Him. To have the customs and meals of the day as markers for important events.

On the darkest evening of Jesus' life, He commanded that we love one another as He loved us. We fail so miserably in this regard - we get sidetracked by feelings, grudges, circumstances, things, and we forget to love. We forget that we were loved by Someone who chose to die for us. We forget, and subsequently, we don't transfer the love that we are beneficiaries of.

May you reflect on the historical events of this week leading up to Easter Sunday. The crowd loved Him on Sunday, religious leaders were angry at Him on Monday, and by Friday, that same crowd was shouting for His crucifixion. We see the many facets of Jesus throughout the week also - humble, angry, hungry, tired, knowing, and accepting. Yet through it all, He had us in mind. That's love. 

I love the pastels of Easter and getting dressed up for church. But more importantly, Jesus' resurrection signals hope and love, two things we need more of. More than ever, I'm grateful for what happened so many years ago.

So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” 
John 13:34,35 [NLT]

--Nylse

Thanks for reading. Please take a moment to share using the buttons below. Like my Facebook Page and follow along on Instagram. Don't forget to subscribe. If you're reading my new book, The Comfort of Night, please leave a review on Amazon or the publisher's site. Stay Encouraged!


14 comments:

  1. I wish I had something more to add but this is an excellent post. Enjoyed reading it! Great way to begin my day!

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  2. Amen. He modeled love for us, didn't He. May we follow His example well. Happy Easter! ((hug))

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  3. I enjoyed your post Nylse, we do get so focused on our own lives that we sadly neglect what is most important, loving with God's love!

    You're most welcome to drop by for a cup of inspiration.
    Have a blessed easter,
    Jennifer

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  4. This ... "On the darkest evening of Jesus' life, He commanded that we love one another as He loved us. We fail so miserably in this regard - we get sidetracked by feelings, grudges, circumstances, things and we forget to love. We forget that we were loved by Someone who chose to die for us. We forget and subsequently we don't transfer the love that we are beneficiaries of."

    Amen ♥

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  5. I think this is one of the best explanations I've read on Maundy Thursday! It's not something I grew up with. I think I will forever be learning how to really love as He loved me. The nuances of love are so diverse, but pouring ourselves into it helps us comprehend His love on such a deeper level.

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  6. Thank you for explaining this day so well. I will always remember this significance now😉👌

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  7. Love this reflection on Holy week! I focused on John 1:5 today in my art journal which reminds me that light will shine through the darkness at the end of it all.

    https://www.kathrineeldridge.com

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  8. Nylse, I love seeing each day leading from Palm Sunday to the Resurrection spelled out. Thank you for the reminder to love others like Jesus has loved us. I don't think we can have too many reminders to do this. I hope your week and your Resurrection Sunday are filled with hope and love!

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  9. Sorry! Google is doing something different. I didn't get to put in my information for the above comment. :) jeannetakenaka.com/blog

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  10. This absolutely grabbed me--"Judas went from being surrounded by the light and love of Jesus into the darkness of the night. Absent from Jesus, there is darkness. And it was night." How tragic... Thank you for linking up and for sharing this post!

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  11. Easter is such an important time in the Christian calendar, yet sadly far too many children grow up with no awareness of what it means.

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  12. I'm a church organist and choir director, so last week was particularly busy for me. Nevertheless, I love the annual Holy Week worship services -- we share the the feelings of sadness and desolation before we celebrate the wonder and assurance of resurrection. Thank you for sharing this post in the Talent-Sharing Tuesdays Link-Up 59.
    Carol
    www.scribblingboomer.com

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  13. Nylse, so beautifully spoken.
    I appreciate you sharing this with Sweet Tea & Friends this month dear friend.

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