Some Reflections on Passion Week

As I have been reading, meditating and praying through the events of Passion Week, I have had some strong convictions hit me that I wish to share. The three main things I'll hit in this post are humility, passion, and brokenness.

The events of Matthew 21 are often times referred to as "The Triumphal Entry". I've read some, and understand the symbolic nature of Jesus' entry as compared to that of a Roman conqueror's Triumph, but the humility expressed by Jesus is something that struck me this time. Today's American Christian culture, much like the Jews who lined the streets for Jesus, seem to want some kind of great Christ Conqueror to stroll in and make everything right (or is it Right?). However, what we see from Jesus is a picture of humility as the cross rapidly approaches. As we proclaim and live out the Gospel, are we doing so with humility, relying on the power of the Holy Spirit to change lives, or are we moving forward with some strong-armed political agenda to promote our own good?

The second view of Christ that stuck with me is the cleansing of the Temple in Mark 11. the passion and righteous anger that Jesus shows when the House of the Lord is being abused is something that resonates deeply with me. Oh, to have the passion of Christ when dealing with the purity of His bride. Are we willing to stand firm in the truth and supremacy of scripture, or will we role over like so many before us, and allow the trappings of this world and the wolves amongst us to lead people astray? I pray that God will give me courage and strength to stand up for His glory, and not allow our religious additions to get in the way of the cross.

The last picture of Christ that really hit me while I was reading is in Luke 19, where Jesus weeps over the city of Jerusalem. As someone who is on the road to planting a church, this particular verse is very timely. Can I weep over the lost in Orlando, or is my heart hardened to the fact that so many are dying and hurting? It is a continuing prayer of mine that God will give me His heart for Orlando, and that my heart will be broken for the lost as His is.