TID #166 Why Holy Week Matters
What’s up TRC and Friends! Last week we took time during Holy Week to talk about why it matters for us. It’s never out of season to remember Holy Week and remember the resurrection. We celebrate it every Sunday we gather. So, look back to Holy Week with last week’s podcast and don’t let the resurrection slip out of your mind.
Holy Week represents the most significant period in Christian history, spanning from Palm Sunday to Resurrection Sunday. These pivotal days contain profound truths that shape our understanding of absolutely everything.
Was the Cross Part of God’s Plan All Along?
The cross wasn’t a tragic accident or backup plan – it was God’s sovereign plan from the beginning. Acts 2:22-23 reveals that Jesus’ death was according to “the definite plan and foreknowledge of God.” This means that even in our darkest moments, God remains in control and works through suffering for redemptive purposes.
What Does Holy Week Reveal About Sin and God’s Love?
Holy Week exposes both the depth of human sin and the incredible power of God’s love. From Judas’s betrayal to Peter’s denial, we see humanity’s brokenness on full display. Yet Romans 5:7-8 shows that God’s love didn’t wait for us to clean up our act – Christ died for us “while we were still sinners.” This is a love that:
- Absorbs betrayal
- Forgives failure
- Transforms enemies into family
Why is the Resurrection Essential to Christian Hope?
The resurrection is what sets Christianity apart and anchors our hope. As 1 Corinthians 15:17-20 states, without the resurrection, our faith would be futile. The empty tomb proves that:
- Death doesn’t have the final word
- Sin has been paid for
- Our own resurrection is guaranteed
How Should Holy Week Impact Our Daily Lives?
Holy Week isn’t just something to believe – it’s something to live. 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 teaches that Christ’s love compels us to no longer live for ourselves but for Him. This means:
- Moving from comfort to cross-carrying
- Choosing self-denial over self-promotion
Application
As you reflect on these truths, consider:
How does knowing the cross was God’s plan change how you view difficult circumstances?
In what ways are you still living for yourself rather than for Christ?
Does your life reflect the hope of the resurrection?
This week, identify one area where you’ve been living for your own comfort or agenda. Make a specific plan to reorient that area around Christ’s mission, remembering that we serve a risen Savior who calls us to live differently because He is alive.