“Behold,
the Lamb of God,
who takes away the sin of the world!”
(John 1:29)
This week is Holy Week, the week leading up to Jesus’ death and resurrection. It’s a week to reflect on our need for a Saviour, the depth of our sin, and how God went about saving us - something He was at work doing from the beginning of time; through the whole of history, the Old Testament, He was looking ahead to Jesus, who came, just at the right time, to accomplish salvation for the world…
Holy Tuesday
The fig tree had withered. The merchants’ tables in the temple had been overturned. Monday came and went, and Jesus once again returned to the temple on Tuesday, this time to teach: to speak to the crowds, to engage the religious leaders one last time as they challenged his authority. He taught of things to come (Matthew 24-25) and of the greatest commandment, to love God wholeheartedly (Mark 12:28-34). He commended the poor woman who gave all she had, two small coins (Luke 21:1-4), and he taught about rendering to Caeser that which is Caeser’s (Matthew 22:15-22), and he taught for the need to be ever watchful, waiting for his return (Luke 21:34-36), because we do not know the day or hour when He will do come. (Matthew 22:36-51).
The record of Jesus teaching on Tuesday was lengthy. Take your Bible and read the account from one of the Gospels:
-Matthew 21:23 - 25:46
-Mark 11:27 - 13:37
-Luke 20:1 - 21:38
Questions for Thought
-What is Jesus’ most challenging teaching?
-What does Jesus value?
-How can we love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love one another as ourselves?
-How can we be alert and watchful for Jesus’ return?
Prayer
“And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, 26 people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
34 “But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. 35 For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:245-28, 34-26)
Lord Jesus,
You are coming soon.
How we look forward to that day!
For we see here, on the earth, Your creation, the “distress of nations in perplexity.” We hear of wars and rumours of wars, and right now, it’s the war against COVID-19. We see the “fainting with fear and with foreboding…,” and perhaps we feel it in our own hearts a little.
But we know this is not the end. Our redemption is drawing near. You are coming soon. You will come to judge the earth, do away with all evil, and bring us safely home to eternal life with You.
But Lord Jesus, may we not be distracted and weighed down by the worries and cares and pleasures of this life. Help us to ever be on our guard, ever watchful for You, alert to see You - see You at work now, and see You when You come. Lord, we pray for strength to escape the terrible things that will take place, we pray that You would keep us and bring us safely home. Give us courage as we face these days where many are anxious and fearful; give us the courage that comes from knowing that we are forgiven and free of sin and safe from sin’s consequences; give us courage knowing that You are with us and we need not fear.
We thank You that we are safe in Your care,
And we can’t wait for Your return;
Come, Lord Jesus, come.
In Your mighty name, we pray,
Amen.
Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,
to receive power
and wealth
and wisdom
and might
and honour
and glory
and blessing!
(Revelation 5:12)