The Road to Easter

Seven days from the triumphal entry to the empty tomb — walking Holy Week with Jesus.

Part of Understanding the Bible

1. Day 1 / 7

   And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.

   The week begins with palms and hosannas — the King arriving humbly, on a colt. The crowd's praise was real but shallow. Welcome him today with praise that intends to stay.

2. Day 2 / 7

   For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

   At the table, Jesus gives the cup its meaning before the cross gives it its cost: blood of the new testament, shed for many for the remission of sins. This week, everything is for you.

3. Day 3 / 7

   And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

   Gethsemane: the honest prayer — let this cup pass — surrendered into the braver one: nevertheless, not as I will. Every hard obedience since has borrowed these words.

4. Day 4 / 7

   But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

   Written seven centuries early, read forever after: wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities. The chastisement that bought your peace was laid on him.

5. Day 5 / 7

   Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

   From the cross, forgiveness — for the soldiers, and for us. While we were still hammering, he was already pardoning. Sit with that today; do not hurry past Friday.

6. Day 6 / 7

   When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

   It is finished — not a sigh of defeat but a shout of completion. The debt is marked paid in full. Nothing remains for you to add; everything remains for you to receive.

7. Day 7 / 7

   He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

   He is not here: for he is risen. The stone rolled away, and death's door has stood open ever since. Walk out of this week as a resurrection person — it changes every ordinary Monday.