Reflections on Holy Week and Its Lessons

For devoted Christians, Holy Week is quite the emotional journey. It starts with Jesus’s entrance into Jerusalem, met with cheers and adulation as He rides in on a simple donkey, fulfilling ancient prophecies. Yet, just days later, the atmosphere shifts dramatically. Jesus faces rejection, undergoes a sham trial, and endures brutal punishment. Many close to Him turn away, showing disdain and betrayal. But this, as they say, is just the beginning of a much deeper narrative.

It’s essential to acknowledge that Jesus was aware of every single detail of what awaited Him. While we might be filled with concern about His fate, He came to us willingly, embracing our vulnerabilities—our pain, our temptations, and even our mortality. He didn’t have to do this, but God’s actions granted us the invaluable gift of eternal life.

No matter where you find yourself this week, there’s comfort in knowing that God is always attentive and promises never to abandon His children. The Bible recounts the struggles of various individuals facing family strife, devastating health issues, financial hardship, and conflict. By reflecting on their experiences, we can recognize how God was, indeed, crafting goodness even in their darkest moments. This truth resonates deeply in the earthly journey of Jesus.

Lessons from Difficult Times

Scary world events, financial uncertainty—Easter offers relevant lessons for all of us. In recent years, I’ve written about numerous encouraging Biblical figures, and my new book, “Nothing is Impossible with God,” specifically highlights those who faced daunting challenges. Take Gideon, for instance—a scared man whom God describes as a “mighty warrior.” His initial reaction? “Forgive me.”

It’s interesting to think about how we might respond in similar situations. If we knew God was coming to confront a powerful enemy unarmed, many of us might hesitate or doubt that approach. Yet, God often works in these mysterious ways, urging us to trust that He has a plan even when we feel lost.

In this new book, I also explore Biblical stories of those who encountered substantial obstacles. Nehemiah, for example, faced open hostility but chose faith over fear, praying and persevering instead of backing down. If you’ve faced betrayals, you may find comfort in Nehemiah’s resolve.

Our self-doubt can easily derail us, much like Moses felt overwhelmed by his divine task, arguing with God about whether he was fit for the job. Looking back, it’s easy to judge him, but I can relate to those moments of insecurity.

Then there’s Jonah, who ran away from God’s instructions. As we navigate their journeys, we see how Gideon, Moses, and Jonah evolved in their faith, achieving what seemed impossible through divine guidance.

We also meet steadfast figures like Noah, who built an enormous ark without a clear reason while rain had yet to be seen. His faith was unwavering, leading him to act in the face of absurdity.

Joshua opposed the collective voice telling the Israelites they couldn’t stand against their adversaries, while Daniel showed remarkable bravery and dedication in a society that demonized his beliefs.

Peter embodies a mixture of these challenges. A passionate defender of Christ, he was impulsive, often clashing with authority. When Jesus warned him of his impending denial, Peter boldly proclaimed his loyalty: “Even if I had to die with you, I would never disown you” (Matthew 26:35). Yet, just hours later, he faltered, denying his teacher and feeling overwhelming regret.

But the story didn’t end there. After Jesus’s resurrection, instead of casting judgment, He approached Peter with compassion. Peter returned to his usual life, unsure of his worthiness. Yet, Jesus called him to a higher purpose—fishing for people instead of fish.

This Easter, we are reminded of God’s power to transform our lives, to overcome what seems unmanageable. Each year, we celebrate the incredible gift of salvation—something we cannot earn but must humbly accept.

Understanding this level of grace can be hard for many. My hope is that this Easter, the promise of that gift resonates with you.