The Final Week of Jesus

This week, my daughters and I are reading through one of my favorite non-fiction books about Easter: And the Angels were Silent by Max Lucado. This book recounts in beautiful words and heart-healing stories the final week of Jesus.

Here's a snippet from the beginning of And the Angels were Silent ... "Commonly clad. Uncommonly focused. Leaving Jericho and walking toward Jerusalem. He doesn't chatter. He doesn't pause. He is on a journey. His final journey.

"Even the angels are silent. They know this is no ordinary walk. They now this is no ordinary week. For hinged on this week is the door of eternity. Let's walk with him. Let's see how Jesus spent his final days. Let's see what mattered to God."

As we've read, we've talked about what mattered most to Jesus. What He talked about this last week. What He taught about. What He did during these seven days...Jesus clearing the temple- His passion for God and His anger at those who would keep us from truly worshipping. We've talked about truth and lukewarm faith and the courage to dream again. Of sandcastles and tides and the fact life is fleeting. And that Jesus is coming back.

No matter how many times I've read this story- I've owned it since before I was married- I cry as I read each chapter. The words are that evocative and the truths that soul-watering.

It's one of the ways I keep this week in my heart.

I hope, no matter how you do it, that you keep this week in your hearts too. Remember who Jesus is and what He's done.

Remember the scourging and the cross.

Remember the blackness of Friday and the glory of Sunday.

An empty tomb. A risen Saviour.

And celebrate!