As mentioned in Church yesterday let’s take time this week to read in the Bible the events of Passion week as is commonly recognised in Christian circles:

On Monday, events to consider may include:

• Jesus cursing the fig tree, and the cleansing of the Temple. Read and meditate on Mark 11:12-25. Note especially Verse 17 as only Mark refers to the house of prayer shall be called a house of prayer for all nations. Other passages to consider are Isaiah 56:7, Jeremiah 7:11, and Matthew 21:13.
• The authority of Jesus questioned: Luke 20:1-8.
• The anointing of Jesus at Bethany (John 12:1–11): An event that in the Gospel of John occurred before Palm Sunday as in John 12:12–19.

Take some time to read these passages and to meditate and pray.

Passages to consider today are John 12: 20-36 and John 13:21-38. On both occasions, Jesus speaks plainly that he is to die like a kernel of wheat that falls in the ground and, at the right time, is able to produce a growth of many seeds!

Its spring and the fields are full of early spring flowers. Consider that the bulb was lifeless all year, and at the right moment in time, springs to life! It speaks of an intelligent creator God!

We are without excuses, and that’s why Jesus said he must fall “into death” and “rise to bring life eternal” to all that would put their faith in Him.

Today reflect on the incredible betrayal by one of the closest friends of Jesus. Judas Iscariot's betrayal of Jesus is detailed in Matthew 26:14-16, 26:47-50, Luke 22:3-6, and John 13:21-30.

Jesus delivers the Olivet Discourse, primarily found in Matthew 24 - 25. He teaches on the destruction of Jerusalem:

Take time to reflect on the betrayal and how we find challenges in relations. Also reflect on the coming of Jesus at the second coming as we find ourselves in the soon coming end of days!

Part 1: The Agony and the Service

Often referred to as Maundy Thursday in Christian circles. Today we focus on the theme of service and the deep internal struggle of our Lord.

Let’s reflect on the agony of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26: 38 – 44, Mark 14:32-42, Luke 22:39-46, and John 18).

I have called today's reflection Serving Thursday as we consider how Jesus chose to wash his disciples’ feet. Jesus said, "I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you."

Part 2: The Upper Room and The Last Supper

Tonight we reflect how Jesus sends the disciples to prepare the upper room for the Passover supper (Luke 22:7-13). The Last Supper is recorded in the Synoptic Gospels and 1 Corinthians, where Jesus institutes the Lord’s Supper during a Passover meal before his crucifixion. During the meal, Jesus predicted the events that would immediately follow, including his betrayal, the Denial of Peter, and his death and resurrection.

Key verses to read and meditate as we prepare for our Good Friday communion service tomorrow: Matthew 26:17-30, Mark 14:12-26, Luke 22:7-38, and 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, which detail the blessing of bread (his body) and wine (his blood), the prediction of Judas's betrayal, and the command to remember him. Jesus identifies that one of the twelve will betray him (Matthew 26:21, Luke 22:21) and he tells Peter he will deny him three times (Luke 22:34). Paul records for us the New Covenant Institution in 1 Corinthians 11:23-30. The Passover meal is given new meaning, signifying Jesus as the sacrificial lamb.

Let us read and pray over these passages.

Good Friday

Let’s pray, meditate and consider the seven sayings of Jesus on the Cross:

• "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34-38)
• "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." (Luke 23:39-43)
• "Woman, behold your son... Behold your mother." (John 19:26-27)
• "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46-49)
• "I thirst." (John 19:28-29)
• "It is finished." (John 19:30)
• "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." (Luke 23:44-49)

Each saying profound on its own, but also indicative of the total submission of Jesus to complete his mission, fulfil the old covenant and initiate the new everlasting covenant in his name alone.

Silent Saturday

"Jesus has died. His body lies in the tomb. The altar is bare. Everything feels still… almost empty. But this silence is not hopeless. It is a waiting silence. A silence filled with expectation. Because God is still at work… even in the grave. Today teaches us something deep: Not every moment of silence means that God is absent. Sometimes, He is preparing something greater. As we the Church wait for the Resurrection Sunday, darkness will give way to light, and death will give way to life."
— Anonymous

Take time for Reflection:

• Where in our lives does it feel like nothing is happening?
• Where does it feel like God is silent?
• Stay there.
• Wait with faith.

Because Silent Saturday reminds us Sunday is coming!

So who moved the stone?

Jesus Has risen but who moved the stone? Did the disciples steal Jesus' body? Beaten, dis-spirited, hiding for fear of the Jews—not likely. Did the authorities dispose of Jesus' body? No, the leaders bribed the Roman soldiers and even offered to bribe Pilate (Matthew 28:12-14).

The indisputable evidence is that God did and raised Jesus from the dead. Jesus said he had the power to raise himself from the dead in Matthew 20:19, Mark 9:9, and Mark 14:28. Peter argued the necessity of Christ's resurrection from the prediction in Psalm 16 (Acts 2:24-28).

The Testimony of Eyewitnesses

Ten different appearances of our risen Lord are recorded in the New Testament (Acts 1:3):

• To Mary Magdalene at the tomb alone (John 20:11-18; Mark 16:9-11).
• To "the other Mary," Salome, Joanna, and others as they returned from the tomb (Matthew 28:1-10; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-11).
• To Simon Peter alone on the day of the resurrection (Luke 24:34; 1 Corinthians 15:5).
• To the two disciples on the way to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35; Mark 16:12-13).
• To the ten disciples (Thomas absent) at Jerusalem (John 20:19-24).
• To the disciples again (Thomas present) at Jerusalem (John 20:26-28; 1 Corinthians 15:5).
• To the disciples when fishing at the Sea of Galilee (John 21:1-23).
• To the eleven, and above 500 brethren at once in Galilee (1 Corinthians 15:6; Matthew 28:16-20).
• To James, under circumstances not fully informed (1 Corinthians 15:7).
• To the apostles before the ascension at Mount Olivet (Mark 16:19; Luke 24:50-52; Acts 1:4-10).
• To Paul at Damascus, who speaks of it as an appearance of the risen Saviour (Acts 9:3-9; 1 Corinthians 15:8).

It is conclusive that God moved the Stone! Hallelujah He is Risen!

Please read Luke 24:13–35

How do we move from the power of Easter into the pressures of everyday life? In Luke 24, two disciples walk the road to Emmaus. Their hearts are heavy. Their hopes feel shattered. Even though the resurrection has happened, they are still processing pain, confusion, and exhaustion.

And that is where Jesus meets them—on the road. Not in the temple. Not in a grand moment. But in their tired walk home. The risen Christ does not wait for you at the finish line of your strength—He walks with you in your weariness.

• Physically tired from the busyness of the season.
• Emotionally drained from life’s demands.
• Or quietly grieving while trying to carry on.

Jesus draws near. The disciples did not recognise Him at first—but He was there, listening, walking, explaining, restoring. And when they finally saw Him, their testimony was: “Were not our hearts burning within us while He talked with us on the road?”

Do not rush past Easter. Carry it with you. Let the peace of the empty tomb become the strength for your full schedule.

This will be my last blog on the Easter Journey — Pastor Mike