Holy Week

 
 

As we move through Holy Week -- the week between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday as Jesus journeyed his final days to the cross-- how will you prepare your heart for the most important celebration on our Christian calendar: Easter morning?

Here are some ways to remain intentional and prayerful this week:

  • Spy Wednesday: Consider these Scripture readings as you contemplate Spy Wednesday, the day Judas went to the Jews to set the price they would pay him to betray the Lord: Matthew 26:1-16; Mark 14:1-11; Luke 22:1-6.

  • Maundy Thursday: “Maundy” is a shortened form of the Latin verb “mandatum,” which means “to command.” It was on this night that Jesus gave his disciples a new commandment: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another (John 13:34-35). Read Matthew 26:17 – 35; Mark 14:12-31; Luke 22:7-38; and John 13. Spend some time prayerfully pondering how Jesus’ disciples must have felt as they gathered to celebrate the Passover meal together, had their feet washed by their Messiah, and heard the words He spoke over the bread and the cup.

  • Good Friday: Read Matthew 26:36 – 27:1-55; Mark 14:41 – 15:47; Luke 22:39 – 23:49; John 18 – 19. As you ponder Christ’s crucifixion, consider joining us at 7 p.m. in the Ministry Center for a dramatic reading of The Last Day by Rich Zimmerman. It is the scriptural story of the last 24 hours of Jesus’ life on earth, presented by several of our very own.

  • Holy Saturday: Holy Saturday is a solemn time to remember the day that Jesus lay in the tomb after the crucifixion. The only biblical reference to this day is here: Matthew 27:62-66. If you live close to a local cemetery, walk there and spend some time looking for inscriptions, sculptures, and symbols that resonate with Holy Saturday. What grief can you embrace today, as you prepare to trade your mourning clothes for joy in the morning?

  • Easter Sunday: Join us in-person at 10 a.m. this Sunday, April 9, as we celebrate Christ's resurrection together. If you are traveling or unable to attend, our livestream service is available at this link: https://cedar creek sherwood.online.church/.  We look forward to a celebratory service that will include a special confirmation ceremony as our two confirmation teens recommit their lives to Jesus Christ and become covenant partners of Cedar Creek Church. He is Risen!

Blessings on your Holy Week,

Jennie

Rev. Dr. Jennie A. Harrop