Preparing for Holy Week (Lent Devotion) - Saturday, April 13
Preparing for Holy Week
Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. (John 16:20)
Read John 12:12 - 21:25
As we enter the Holy Week, take time to read the passion and resurrection of Jesus in its entirety.
All four books of the Gospel tell the story but each with a different emphasis, based on the author and the message.
This year, we recommend reading John's version (beginning at John 12:12), which focuses on the exaltation of Jesus, how he remains in charge, driving all the action, completing the will of the Father, and being glorified as He is lifted up.
Matthew focuses on the kingship of Jesus, how the ruling powers, especially Pilate and Caiaphas conspired to get rid of someone they saw as a political threat.
Mark: the suffering of Jesus, how He was tragically rejected, unfairly condemned, viciously beaten, horribly insulted, and cruelly mistreated by multiple groups.
Luke: the innocence of Jesus, how Pilate said he did not deserve death, and others (Herod Antipas, the centurion, and the repentant thief) also recognized his innocence.