KNOWING YOUR BIBLE
April 2, 2023: Dear Friends, Thank you for joining us in our study of Jesus during his last week prior to his crucifixion and resurrection more than 2000 years ago. This week has been referred to as the “Holy Week" with historic holy days being referenced to during the week. Today has been referred to as “Palm Sunday”. Friday of this week has been referred to as “Good Friday”, the day of Jesus crucifixion. And next Sunday is Easter, the day in history of Jesus’ resurrection.
The happenings of this week in history have influenced most to think of the week as being the holiest week in the Christain Religion History. Today is Palm Sunday, written about in the gospel books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. On this historic day, Jesus rode on a donkey down the Mount of Olives into the city of Jerusalem with the crowd waving and laying palm branches in front of Jesus, singing and shouting “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord-the King of Israel.” as he entered the city. John, chapter 12 verse 13. Then, only a few days later, the crowd (most likely the same crowd that was worshiping him earliier in the week) was shouting to Pontius Pilate. the Governor of Judea to, “Crucify him, crucify him!” as written in John, chapter 19, verse 6. What happened during that past week in Jesus’ life that caused such a turnaround in the crowds’ attitudes and opinions about Jesus?
On that historic Friday, Jesus was crucified by the Roman-controlled Judea Govenor, Pontus Pilate using a barbaric way through nailing him to a tree-made cross where he hung and suffocated to death. According to biblical history, he hung on the cross for approximately 6 hours from 9am to 3pm when he took his last breath. He was brutely beaten prior to his being nailed to the cross. (John, chapter 19, verses 1-42,)
A big question boggles our minds as we ask, “why refer to that Friday as “Good Friday”? What is good about the awful suffering, pain, shame and humiliation that Jesus went through before he died? What a horrible way to die!
When I have searched for the answer to the question above, I have received various answers. In my mind, I know that Jesus died for our sins, to take away our sins and to forgive our sins when we repent our sins to him. His death crushed our sins. With the forgiveness of sins, one can begin a new life in him, living and following his teachings and commandments which is his will for all who believe in him. His death was a sacrifice for our sins. Our Lord, Jesus Christ, loved us so much as to give his life for us so that we may have a life, a life without sin as much as possible, like his, that gives us peace and serenity, joy and love, grace and compassion.
May God bless you this week. Bible verses will be listed that will help you in the understanding of Jesus’ death. Next week, Easter Sunday, Jesus’ resurrection will be the topic of study.
MAY GOD BLESS YOUR BIBLE STUDY THIS WEEK!
BIBLE VERSES: Luke, chapters 23, 24 and 25; John, chapters 12-20. Matthew, chapter 20, verse 28. Mark, chapter 10, verse 45.; John, chapter 1, verse 29; John, chapter 15, verse 13; 1st Peter, chapter 2, verse 24; Romans, Chapter 5, verse 8; 1st Corinthians, chapter 15, verse 3; Galatians, chapter 2, verse 20; 1st John, chapter 3, verse 18.