Reflections From Holy Week
Written By: Nancy Purtlebaugh
Jesus didn’t just die for us; He died INSTEAD of us. Easter isn’t just a story in history or another holiday. It’s about a love that changes EVERYTHING. Because of Jesus your past isn’t final, and your future is filled with HOPE. – Craig Groeschel
My friend and I had the opportunity to come up with a prayer walk for Victory's high school gathering this past Sunday (Palm Sunday). We were both wondering how the students would respond to this. Typically, the format of our gatherings is much different than this. They always have someone who gives a message about whatever the current sermon series is, but this was much more reflective. We were asking them to spend time in prayer and reflect on the last days of Jesus’s life here on earth. It was interactive, but much time was spent listening to the scripture being read and responding. As my friend said, it was obvious that God was moving during that time. He worked in that room to set the hearts and minds of the students and the leaders on Him the entire time. This prayer walk was done in a way that you could work through it at home with your family. So, I am going to share it here so you can pick a time this week to do it together. We suggest you read the scriptures out loud together. We set these up as different stations to make it more interactive for the students. You could do it that way or you could just gather the items and do it together at your dining room table. Whatever you decide to do, my prayer is that you would take time to completely cut out all the distractions: turn off the tv, put your phones in another room (turn them off or on silent), and completely focus on Jesus. He surrendered everything for us thousands of years ago so we could have eternal life with Him. Journey with us, friends.
Station 1-CELEBRATE
Jesus’s final week began with a celebration of who He was and what He had done.
When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in the loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:
“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” Luke 19:37-38
-Action-Think about how God has blessed you and what you want to praise him for. Take a few minutes to think about this, then write it down. Share it with each other and spend a few moments praising Jesus together.
Station 2-REMEMBER
Jesus gave us a way to regularly remember how his blood was shed, and body was broken on the cross for us.
While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s Kingdom.”
Action-If you have been baptized, we invite you to take communion together to remember the sacrifice Jesus made for us. You can gather any bread/cracker and juice-whatever you have on hand. If you haven’t been baptized, then just spend a few minutes in prayer and meditating on the scripture above.
Station 3-SURRENDER
Just as Jesus surrendered his life for our sins—what do you need to surrender to God?
Jesus was mocked, beaten, and ultimately crucified for our sins. He made the ultimate sacrifice to surrender his life in place of ours-he wasn’t guilty yet died a sinner’s death.
Action-Read Mark 15:16-39 together aloud. What sins and struggles do you need to surrender to God? Think and pray about this. Afterwards, write that sin down. Think about the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross and lay this struggle down-tear it in half and surrender it to God.
Station 4-PROMISE
Jesus fulfilled his promise to not only die for our sins but to come back to life, showing his victory over death.
He is not here; He has risen, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay. Matthew 28:6
Action-The Bible is filled with promises from God. Spend some time looking up the following verses (or one of your favorites) and write one on a notecard to put somewhere to remind you that God fulfills His promises!
Ephesians 3:20-21, Isaiah 40:29-31, Joshua 1:9, Philippian 4:6-8, Proverbs 3:5-6, John 8:12, James 1:5, Ephesians 2:8
Station 5-COMMUNITY
After Jesus’s resurrection, as he prepared to return to heaven, he challenged his disciples to share what he had taught them, to form a community of believers.
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20
Action-We are not meant to do life alone. Take this time to pray together for your community-those in your church, your small group, and your family. Reach out to someone and let them know you are thankful for them and you have prayed for them. End your time listening to some praise and worship music that focuses on Jesus.
Lord, please help us to slow down and focus on YOU this week. Help us to drown out the distraction and remember the sacrifice you made for us-help us to take time to feel it. Let us feel the weight of the Glory of the cross, and to celebrate that you rose again! Help your sacrifice lead us to repentance, a changed life, and a transformed heart. Thank you will never be enough, but we give you our thanks anyway, Lord! It’s in your precious name we pray, Amen!