Holy Week 2022: Monday
Spend a few moments in silence before God preparing your heart to hear from Him.
2 The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
a light has dawned.
6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
will accomplish this.
- Isaiah 9:2, 6-7
How does Isaiah describe the child to be born who will bring light to those walking in darkness? What will the child be called?
Pray using the words Jesus taught us to pray:
9 “This, then, is how you should pray:
“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10 your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
Yesterday, April 10th, was Palm Sunday, the day we celebrate Jesus, our King, riding into Jerusalem on a donkey. His victorious entrance was a symbol of His coming victory over the powers of sin, evil, death, and the grave. His disciples initiated a joyous song with the words, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” (Matthew 21:9). The Gospel of Luke records that when Jesus saw the city, he began to weep. This account is one of only two where Jesus is seen weeping. We need Luke’s account to help us grasp the tremendous tension between the conflicting emotions felt on this day. While the disciples and some of the crowd rejoice, Jesus laments. He is deeply saddened. He knows that the praise of the crowd and the support of His disciples is going to be short-lived. In less than a week, the same crowd singing blessings over Jesus will demand His death by crucifixion. The same disciples who have expressed their love and devotion to Him will abondon Him.
Jesus’ sorrow comes from more than hurt over being rejected and abandoned. As He weeps, He cries, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace - but now it is hidden from your eyes” (Luke 19:41). While Jesus’ impending death will open the way of salvation for all people, not everyone will receive God’s gift of restoration. Many will refuse to acknowledge Who Jesus is. They will turn away from the life and peace He longs to give to all who believe in Him. Rather than following the way of love that brings wholeness by surrendering to Jesus as Lord and King, many people continue to choose their own way, which only leads to division, brokenness, and destruction. It grieves Jesus when we do not see and receive His peace.
Read his words again: “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace - but now it is hidden from your eyes!”
What brings us peace? How do we know if we have peace?
Read Ephesians 2:11-22
Who does Ephesians 2:14 say is our peace? How does He bring peace?
Listen to the following video:
What needs to change in your life as a result of hearing this message about Jesus?
Pray: Use the following passage of Scripture for a closing prayer to your time spent with God today.
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do,whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. - Colossians 3:15-17
