As we enter into Holy Week, it’s important to reflect on Christ’s actions leading up to his crucifixion, the meaning of the cross, and what our duty is as Christians.
At the Last Supper, just before He was about to be crucified, Jesus washed the feet of His disciples as a sign of humble service to them. Then he tells them, “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him” (John 13:14-16).
As Christians, we are called to humble ourselves as Jesus did and live a life of service. We should use our God-given gifts, whatever they may be, to serve. If you’re a leader, use the gift of your authority to lead your communities by encouraging and supporting Christian virtue. By serving others, we are serving the Lord.
After the Last Supper, we see Jesus turn to His Father in prayer, knowing that He is about to endure the most painful and gruesome death imaginable. He asks His Father to “let this cup pass” if it be His will.
As we know, God does not let the cup pass, but allows Jesus to suffer on the cross to save humanity. We learn that God won’t always answer our prayers the way we want Him to, but His answers will be far greater than our desires. We are called to share in Christ’s reckless abandon to the will of God and give our lives to Him.
From Christ’s passion, we also learn that as Christians, we will face persecution. If we are truly living as God calls us to, the world will hate us. Through this persecution, however, we get to share in the suffering of Christ and draw closer to Him.
Lastly, Christ’s death and resurrection teach us about the redemptive nature of God. He can use even the world’s worst evils for incredible good. “In the moment of the cross, it becomes clear that evil is utterly subverted for good…. If God can take the greatest of evils and turn them for the greatest of goods, then how much more can he take the lesser evils which litter human history, from individual tragedies to international disasters, and turn them to his good purpose as well,” wrote Carl R. Trueman.
Even when it seems as though we have lost the battle, there is always hope. God is not limited by anything. Just when the disciples thought their savior had died, He defeated death itself and paved the way to eternal life.
As we reflect on the death and resurrection of Christ this Holy Week, we are reminded that service, self-sacrifice, and hope are the marks of a Christian.
Let’s use this week to draw closer to God and grow in faith.
Have a blessed Holy Week!
