How can I explain Holy week to someone who doesn’t know? Jesus starts his week in a parade just for him and just 7 days later he is resurrected from the dead? What a week that he walked into, fulfilling God’s will. I wonder how much he knew ahead of time about what was going to happen. If it was all of it-betrayal, disciples running away, the pain, the accusations, the mocking, and I could go on, then that makes it even more powerful of a love that he showed not only the believers at that time, but for all the believers to come. Even if he didn’t know how it would all feel until those moments, the utmost strength to do God’s will is something I can’t even imagine. What brings me comfort is knowing that whatever I may be struggling with, whether it’s feeling like I am the only one dealing with a particular issue or physical pain of some sort or feeling doubt or fear, that Jesus has been through it and understands!  

What I can learn from the week? The crowds started the week saying Hosanna, which means “save us” and at the end of the week, that’s exactly what happened for believers. That’s when God showed us how much he loves us. What’s better than that? Because of this week, we can go to God with our problems, with our sins, with our doubts, with our fears, with anything, and know that he will love us. No questions asked because he already nailed it all to the cross. On top of that, we can live eternally with God! That is a much better gift for Easter than chocolate or colorful eggs. Well, the chocolate can be the taste of heaven while we’re still on earth!