Mark 15:37-39
With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died, he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!”
This is the week that we call “Holy Week.” So why is the week called “Holy Week?” It seems a little strange that we take the same term we attribute to God and use it to talk about a week of our year. What makes this week holy?
The Hebrew word for “holy” literally means “separate” or “set apart.” We recognize that God is holy as He is set apart from this world and can have nothing to do with sin. He is pure holiness, absolute purity. He is unstained by sin and evil. He is perfect in every way and good all the time.
This is the week we remember what Jesus did for us. The week begins with the celebration of Palm Sunday and ends with the joy of Easter Sunday. As Katherine said on Sunday, it is important to remember what happened between the two. It’s hard to think about the cruel torture and punishment that Jesus endured for us. But I pray we all take time to reflect on the crucifixion of Jesus. It was undeserved, a selfless sacrifice, Jesus taking our place, God’s love on display, and making a way for us to return to a holy God…
“The worst thing that ever happened…
To the best Man that ever lived…
Was the best thing that ever happened to the human race.
That’s why it’s called Good Friday.”
As we walk to Easter, be careful not to skip over the cross on the way to celebrate the resurrection.
Prayer: God, we are humbled by the death of Your Son, Jesus. This Easter, help us memorize, pray, and sing the Gospel. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Grace and peace,
Aaron
pastoraaronhinton@gmail.com
(704) 300-0081