WATCHWORD:
1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; he protects me from danger—whom shall I fear? 2 When evil men come to destroy me, they will stumble and fall! 3 Yes, though a mighty army marches against me, my heart shall know no fear! I am confident that God will save me. Psalm 27:1-3
Meditation:
Jesus on Monday
Jesus and his disciples spent the night in Bethany, but, in the morning, returned to Jerusalem. They entered the temple through Solomon’s Porch that was crowded with tables of moneychangers and sellers of pigeons and cattle. He picked up a small piece of rope, using it as a whip, he ran around knocking over the tables and spilling coins on the ground. As he cleansed the temple of greed and profit, Jesus quoted from Isaiah 56:7 “My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of robbers.”
Throughout the rest of the day, Jesus taught, attracting crowds of common people who were impressed, but the chief priests and scribes feared him because of his popularity. They began to plot a way to destroy Jesus. Jesus returns to Bethany for the night.
(Based on Biblical facts from sources including Matthew, Isaiah, and the historic writings of Josephus.)
Barabbas on Monday
Barabbas’ encounter with Jesus never quite left his mind, as the Zealots gathered to finalize the details of the planned raid on the Roman supply depot, obtaining food and other supplies for the hurting families in their community. Early afternoon they heard the report of Jesus in the temple and were encouraged by that disruption.
That night, well past midnight, on a narrow, dusty Jerusalem side street, two men, Barabbas and his friend Aaron, moved silently, their backs to the buildings. They were on a mission they had done many times. Their objective: The Roman supply depot, located at the end of the street. Because of the start of Passover week and demonstrations near Herod’s Palace, it was thought unlikely that there would be guards on the Depot.
On this night, disaster! A Roman patrol discovers the pair and a battle ensues. Aaron is killed, along with two guards, but Barabbas escapes. That guilt hangs over his head the rest of his life.
(An excerpt from A Life for Barabbas. a novel by Stan Escott. Story based on Biblical facts and a general understanding of human nature.)
Prayer for Monday of Holy Week:
Almighty Father, who sent your only Son Jesus Christ to save us from our sin, show me how I can honor you and bring glory to your name, by walking in the way of Jesus. Give me grace and mercy as I try and fail, guidance when I’m not sure which way to go, and wisdom to trust you in all things. For your love brings light and life to all who seek it. May I seek you evermore as I walk with you through this Holy Week and beyond. Amen.
