{"id":34357,"date":"2026-03-29T06:54:59","date_gmt":"2026-03-29T10:54:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/debmillswriter.com\/?p=34357"},"modified":"2026-03-29T07:26:00","modified_gmt":"2026-03-29T11:26:00","slug":"holy-week-counting-down-to-resurrection-sunday-from-jesus-entry-into-jerusalem-to-the-empty-tomb-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/debmillswriter.com\/?p=34357","title":{"rendered":"Holy Week – Counting Down to Resurrection Sunday – From Jesus’ Entry into Jerusalem to the Empty Tomb"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Photo Credit: Facebook<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

[Adapted from the Archives<\/a>]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today is the first day of Holy Week (for most Christians in the world). Each day is significant as Jesus began the week with a triumphant entry into Jerusalem and then endured crucifixion for sins not His own on the Friday of this week\u2026followed by a glorious Resurrection. I will point you to each day\u2019s events through the links below\u2026recapping the significance for us of Jesus\u2019 journey through this most holy of weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today is Palm Sunday.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For you critical thinkers (believers and non-believers), this week in the life of Jesus of Nazareth is one worthy of analysis. No matter your religion or non-religion, this Jesus, in these days, warrants examination, related to anything you may think of God. You will better understand the core beliefs of a Christ-follower, not just a person you had thought to be a Christian. For in the study of Jesus\u2019 life and his followers, in just this one week, you will see a deep distinction between \u201cthe religious\u201d and \u201cthe redeemed\u201d<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Palm Sunday is celebrated as the \u201ctriumphal entry\u201d of Jesus into Jerusalem, just days before he would endure a mock trial and then be crucified. He and his closest followers (disciples) came to Jerusalem for the celebration of Passover. Passover was\/is an annual remembrance of God\u2019s protection and deliverance of Israel during a time of slavery (Exodus 12:26-28<\/a>). Jesus would celebrate Passover on Thursday of that coming week, but he did not come to Jerusalem for that reason alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He knew from his Father God why he came to Jerusalem, and he tried to prepare his disciples for what was coming.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

From that time Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised up on the third day.<\/em> \u2013 Matthew 16:21<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Imagine the scene as Jesus entered Jerusalem. Some in the crowd did recognize him, and then the word spread of the arrival of this great teacher, this healer, this man whose teaching was like none before him. Palm branches were pulled to wave in tribute to him, as others flung their cloaks on the dust before him welcoming him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo Credit: Knox United Vancouver<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Most of the crowd spread their coats in the road, and others were cutting branches from the trees and spreading them in the road. The crowds going ahead of Him, and those who followed, were shouting, \u201cHosanna** to the Son of David; BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD; Hosanna in the highest!\u201d When He had entered Jerusalem, all the city was stirred, saying, \u201cWho is this?\u201d<\/em> \u2013 Matthew 21:8-10<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWho is this?\u201d For those who did not know him, the wild welcome for him must have been confusing and captivating. For the religious authorities in Jerusalem, who knew him and were unwilling to welcome this \u201cking of the Jews\u201d, his popularity was infuriating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The clock began ticking as they plotted against this man Jesus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over that bright hopeful day of palms hung the shadow of the Cross \u2013 the Cross that would bring even greater hope to all people. The \u201cHosanna\u201d of Palm Sunday would change to cries to \u201cCrucify!\u201d just five days later. Jesus had no ambition to please the crowds; he was resolutely on task to redeem those who could not redeem themselves \u2013 the whole world<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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