The week began with Jesus of Nazareth, with the regular disciple group, coming to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover - as usual. In short time we felt like statistics added in a sequence of events dictated by eternity’s God. We were sucked into a storm. We were drawn into a dark deep chasm. It seemed unreal.
Regardless how clumsy, fraudulently, maliciously or unsympathetic someone behaved, eye contact with Jesus was always offered. We were greeted with an abyss of love, deeper than the shame we felt. A love that outshone the suffering He felt. It is difficult to maintain a steady gaze, to believe that Love while judging oneself. We all had a choice. Those who accepted His love remained. Those who rejected the offer to be forgiven were left (became) alone.
Sunday
The week began on Sunday. Many people come to Jerusalem when the Jews celebrate Passover. Many had accepted healing and witnessed Jesus perform amazing miracles. It seemed quite natural when a spontaneous procession of honor path formed on the main street in front of Jesus. Cloaks were laid on the ground and palm branches swayed as songs of praise were lifted up. This was the humble King about whom the prophets spoke. We knew our prayer book well and the songs to Hosanna had never been as alive as they were at that time.
Monday
Monday's events were a contrast, but concurrently a natural consequence. The average, poor people's hopes and beliefs came into direct conflict with the rich and powerful. For us it was a wondrous sight. Jesus’ face shone with glory as He turned and flipped the tables and chairs of the moneychangers in the Temple (gates) upside down. The vendors’ concessions stands collapsed in heaps and there was true astonishment among those who lined their pockets at the expense of the people who came simply to offer a sacrifice and to pray.
It is written," he said to them, "'My house will be called a house of prayer,' but you are making it a 'den of robbers.' (Math. 12:13 NIV) Pigeons were fluttering around, people shouting and coins being collected by the beggars. We now began to suspect that this week would not be the pleasant breakthrough to future advances we had believed.
Thursday
On Thursday a mighty storm gathered, or better said, an earthquake. We celebrated the Passover meal, but this time with entirely new connotations as we read the scriptures, reminding us how God freed our ancestors from slavery in Egypt. The sensation, that the dreams and expectations of the kingdom of God among us were coming into fruition began to wane. This occurred both through small signs and actual experiences.
We heard Judas excuses and witnessed how difficult it was to meet Jesus' gaze. Jesus took the servant's hand-basin and towel and began to wash our feet. He explained the meaning of this, but the words flew around like flocks of sparrow not wanting to settle complacently in our consciousness. What impacted on my memory most was the sad; "In a short time you will see Me no longer. You will weep and wail. You will grieve. Now you have it difficult". But, over time it became as He had said. The Spirit that He promised us came and reminded us all of the promised good that was to come. "You shall see me again. Your sorrow shall be turned into joy. No one will take your joy from you ".
Thursday
The night was very dramatic. It was as if heaven’s faithful love, and hell’s evil and betrayal came together and clashed in the body of Jesus. The conflict ended as we, suddenly awakened, saw Jesus identified by Judas in order that the temple guards could take Him in for questioning. Jesus accepted Judas’ kiss, as though he were a friend. A new calm and dignity fell on Jesus. From that moment He stood alone against the accuser and schemers, abandoned by His friends. He had a new sense of purpose. He was close to His Heavenly Father whom He talked so much about, but who we, until now had not really understood.
(From FSAOF)
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