The Truth about Holy Week
“I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” - Matthew 26:29
I’ve been reading Matthew’s account as he pens the days leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. It’s been a beautifully painful journey to the cross, and I learn more about heaven’s joy every single day. So here’s the truth about Holy Week.
The path to joy isn’t glamorous. It’s hard-earned. Long-awaited. Sown in tears and grown in the soil of gritty grief. But oh what abundance comes from seeds of surrender. And heaven’s harvest…so worth its wait.
It’s springtime here in Franklin, TN. The birds are chirping. The clouds are lifting. The heaviness of winter is breaking by means of sunshine and new life. As I look around at fresh buds and first fruits, I can’t help but wonder what Jesus meant when taking His last sip of wine with His disciples.
Physically speaking - He would no longer dine with His friends for Passover. The traditions handed down for generations would soon be fulfilled in His own sacrifice. And with the ascension, He would no longer walk the earth or partake of the world’s delights.
Spiritually - He drank the cup of suffering and left us with a symbol of remembrance. In turn, His cup becomes our own when we lay down our lives and follow in His way. Jesus awaits the day for the marriage supper of the Lamb when He is fully united with His Bride in celebration - which calls for a new kind of wine.
Until the day we commune with Jesus and enter into His eternal joy, what would it look like to follow in His footsteps right now? What if that meant walking away from current comforts or forsaking long-endured plans? What if it means pressing into His Word and growing in spiritual disciplines like never before. Can we be honest with where we are and allow fellow believers to speak life, encouragement, and course-correcting narratives instead of sitting in strongholds of lies and unbelief?
We reflect the image of our Savior when we allow Him to keep on delivering us.
Here - in the messy middle. The in-between. The unsure-of-what’s-to-come-next. I want to encourage you with this: allow the Spirit of the Living God to break up your expectations on life and reveal His path of joy.
“For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” - Hebrews 12:2-3
Here’s the thing - if the tomb really is empty and death has no final say, then the joy of the Lord can surely be resurrected in your life again. And that is something worth celebrating.
I believe in you and the transforming work His Spirit is doing in your life right now. May His power accomplish His purpose. May you increase and not diminish. May you leave a discipleship legacy. More than you are known for your good works, may you be known by your love.
The God of heaven rejoices over you, and I do, too. May you and those near to you remember the love displayed for us so long ago and walk in the new life He freely gives to those who simply believe.
If you want to rejoice in this season together, I invite you to join me for dinner this Saturday, March 28, as we remember God’s delight and deliverance for His people. We will enjoy a southern twist on the Seder meal, share stories, and pray together.
Rejoice - the stone is rolled. The tomb is empty. Our Savior did what He promised. And we are better for it.
