Dear Friend In Christ,
As we approach Holy Week, did you ever wonder how many people who came to Jerusalem to observe the Feast of the Passover were actually affected by Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection? Did you ever wonder how many of the people were even aware of what happened?
Afterall, people came from all parts of the land and foreign countries to observe this joyous holiday. They came in bands, singing pilgrim psalms, bringing with them offerings. Josephus, the Jewish historian, estimates that over 275,000 lambs were slaughtered for the Passover meal.
As the Passover lambs were slaughtered in preparation for the Passover meal, The Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world was being crucified on a cross outside the city. How many holiday revelers failed to take notice to Jesus because they were too busy enjoying the holiday?
I wonder how many were annoyed that such a gruesome event was taking place at that time and was ruining their holiday? Couldn’t the officials have waited a few days? Christ’s death was such a distraction, it cast a shadow over their eight day celebration, it was such a disappointment.
Did you ever wonder how many people will miss the events of Holy Week, miss the significance of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection this year because they were too busy enjoying Spring Break or the Easter holiday?
May the Holy Spirit draw us away from the ways of the secular world to observe the most significant week in the history of the world. May He move in us to take the time to read the scriptures, worship and reflect on what Christ’s death and resurrection means to us today and throughout eternity.
Prayerfully,
Pastor Chaya