Following Jesus in His Last Week
Difficult times are the perfect backdrop for Holy Week. The first Holy Week followed a series of horrific plagues and began with God’s people fleeing in haste. As we enter into this holy time with hearts made vulnerable by the heartaches we feel, what a joy to remember we are on a journey to the Promised Land!
Bringing purity to your faith
Jesus didn’t spend His last week waiting to die! He spent the week delivering powerful teachings we need to devote time to studying! Here’s a brief scan to make you hungry for more!
Every word Jesus ever spoke came from the Father, and these final instructions were the Father’s plea for people to have a right view of the Kingdom of God. Jesus began by casting a vision for the power of faith. The fig tree – a Biblical picture of Israel (of religion) – was revealed to be fruitless. Real faith casts mountains into the sea and sustains those in need. ‘All things are possible to those who believe!’ There is nothing we will face that faith in Jesus cannot overcome.
Throughout the week, Jesus used parables to sow seeds of faith…and reveal errors. Parables pierce hearts that are ready for Truth – but protect the un-surrendered from hardness of heart. The Song of Solomon oft repeats the phrase, ‘Awaken not love before its time.’ Jesus gave truth in parables so that only those whose hearts were ready would receive it.
Jesus shared stories of people who missed the mark with God. A son who promised to do what Dad asked, but did not; tenants who disrespected the Master’s messengers; and invited guests who had better things to do than go to the King’s celebration. The message was consistent and clear in all three, yet it bounced off the hard hearts of the Pharisees who resisted the painful truth Jesus delivered.
Finally, Jesus directly said, “You’ve gone astray. You don’t understand the Scriptures of the power of God.” And He began to detail the woes created by hard hearts. Jesus unveiled the coming end times still pleading in parables for true believers to be watchful (fig tree), prepared (ten virgins), invested (talents), and looking toward the final judgment (sheep & goats).
The Savior’s teachings are to us as well. Let your heart hear His plea and don’t respond like a Pharisee. Allow the wound to make room for the Truth…for the Healer…for Jesus.
As you journey toward Resurrection Life, ask Holy Spirit to reveal:
Which parable do you need to dig into?
When or where you’ve lost of Jesus – even as you searched the Scriptures.
Ways your vision of Jesus has improved through hard times.
Heartsong Ministries 