Clothesline 246 "Walk through Holy Week"

The five weeks of Lent are officially over, and during that time we looked at many aspects of life in relation to things we must face. We talked about Facing our Sins on Ash Wednesday. As Jesus himself did in the Garden of Gethsemane, we looked at Facing Temptation. Then we talked about Facing our Fears, Facing our Worldliness, Facing Others, and Facing Suffering. And last Sunday—the day we call Palm Sunday—we walked beside Jesus Facing the Road.

The apostles didn’t know it, but it would be last road Jesus would face before he finished the work His Father had given Him to do. The Holy Week Road is complicated. It begins with a form of pageantry, as Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey, hailed as king. The people shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David. Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.” Yet only a few days later those same voices of praise will become shouts of anger: Crucify him! Crucify him!

This week is a hard, sobering road for a true Christian. We are faced with the fact that our God loves us so much that He would reconcile our sin in the only way possible: a perfect sacrifice, offered by a perfect God…all for love. He came, he lived, he faced the road toward Calvary, and he died on the cross…because he loves us. Can we even imagine such love!

As I think about this road that Jesus traveled, I think about my own road in life. Sometimes it’s smooth sailing; sometimes it’s very complicated. But if one thinks about what Jesus went through, one realizes that Jesus went through all the same things we do. If we are treated badly, the same happened to Jesus. If we are betrayed and hurt by someone we love, so was He! There’s no pain, no sorrow that we could experience that Jesus hasn’t already been through Himself. And do you know what that means? He understands everything we could possibly experience…because He’s been there!

He says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and bear heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Matt. 11:28). We have a God who is able to empathize with all our turbulent travels through life, because he had his share too, and he came out victorious. Jesus reminds us again and again along the way, “I am with you always” and “No one can snatch you out of my hand.” (Matt. 28:20; John 10:28) He said that, many times! We are safe with him as our travel companion, and whatever hardships we come across can be taken care of and relieved by our loving and merciful Savior.

Our response to the troubles on our road of life should mirror his. Remain calm, as He did, even in turbulent times. Remain loving, as He did, even in painful times. And always be ready to forgive and love those around you. That is the way of Christ and the way we should travel through this life.

As we walk through Holy Week, make the decision to walk the road with Jesus. Merge your road with his and let his Spirit of humility and kindness direct your path. This was a life-changing week for Jesus. May it be a life-changing week for you.