The Other Rider
As We Get Ready For Resurrection Sunday
The Tomb is empty - Israel 2022
Resurrection Sunday – He Is Risen!
Scripture: Matthew 28:1–10
Reflection:
The tomb is empty! Jesus has conquered sin and death. The resurrection is our victory and eternal hope.
Scripture: Matthew 28:1–10 (ESV)
"But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.’"(Matthew 28:5–6)
He Is Risen – The Empty Tomb and the Full Promise
Early on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to the tomb, hearts heavy with grief, unsure of what they would find. But instead of a sealed tomb and a lifeless body, they encountered an earth-shaking reality — the stone had been rolled away, and Jesus was gone.
The angel’s words rang out with both comfort and cosmic truth:
"He is not here, for He has risen, as He said."
Those seven words changed everything.
Jesus’ resurrection is not just a historical fact; it’s a personal invitation to new life. The empty tomb confirms that death is defeated, sin has been conquered, and every promise Jesus made is trustworthy.
The angel invited the women to see the place where He had lain. God isn’t afraid of our doubt — He invites us to see for ourselves. And once we do, like the women, we are called to go and tell. Their fear turned to joy, and their mourning into mission.
Jesus met them on the way. “Do not be afraid,” He said again, and this time it came not from an angel, but from the risen Lord Himself. He greeted them personally, intimately. He still does.
Reflection Questions:
Prayer
Risen Lord, thank You for the cross and the empty tomb. Thank You that Your resurrection means life, victory, and hope. Help me to live as one who has seen the empty grave and met the risen Savior. Fill me with courage and joy to tell others that You are alive. Amen.
Reflection:
The tomb is empty! Jesus has conquered sin and death. The resurrection is our victory and eternal hope.
Scripture: Matthew 28:1–10 (ESV)
"But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.’"(Matthew 28:5–6)
He Is Risen – The Empty Tomb and the Full Promise
Early on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to the tomb, hearts heavy with grief, unsure of what they would find. But instead of a sealed tomb and a lifeless body, they encountered an earth-shaking reality — the stone had been rolled away, and Jesus was gone.
The angel’s words rang out with both comfort and cosmic truth:
"He is not here, for He has risen, as He said."
Those seven words changed everything.
Jesus’ resurrection is not just a historical fact; it’s a personal invitation to new life. The empty tomb confirms that death is defeated, sin has been conquered, and every promise Jesus made is trustworthy.
The angel invited the women to see the place where He had lain. God isn’t afraid of our doubt — He invites us to see for ourselves. And once we do, like the women, we are called to go and tell. Their fear turned to joy, and their mourning into mission.
Jesus met them on the way. “Do not be afraid,” He said again, and this time it came not from an angel, but from the risen Lord Himself. He greeted them personally, intimately. He still does.
Reflection Questions:
- What tombs of sorrow or disappointment are you standing in front of today?
- Can you hear the angel's invitation to “come and see” the power of the risen Christ?
- How is God calling you to “go and tell” this resurrection hope to others?
Prayer
Risen Lord, thank You for the cross and the empty tomb. Thank You that Your resurrection means life, victory, and hope. Help me to live as one who has seen the empty grave and met the risen Savior. Fill me with courage and joy to tell others that You are alive. Amen.
Day 7 – Saturday: A Day of Waiting – Trusting in the Dark
Scripture: Matthew 27:57–66
Reflection:
All seems lost. Jesus lies in the tomb. But even in silence, God is at work. This is the day of waiting, of trusting without seeing.
After the brutal death of Jesus, Joseph of Arimathea wraps His body in linen and lays it in a new tomb. The stone is rolled in place. The religious leaders, fearing something more, seal the tomb and place guards outside. And then... silence.
This passage captures a day often skipped over—the day between the cross and the resurrection. It's the in-between. Jesus is in the tomb. The disciples are scattered, broken, and confused. The promises seem buried. All they can do is wait, not knowing what’s coming next.
This is the day of not seeing.
And yet, it’s part of the story. A sacred pause. A holy stillness. A day that calls us to trust even when it feels like nothing is happening.
God is still at work—even behind sealed tombs. His purposes are not always visible, but they are always moving forward.
Maybe you’re in your own “Saturday.” The prayer is unanswered. The direction unclear. The healing hasn't come. You feel stuck in silence.
But the silence is not the end.
Resurrection Sunday is coming.
Reflection Questions:
• Am I willing to trust God even when I can’t see what He’s doing?
• What does it look like to rest in His promises during seasons of waiting?
• WilI rest in His promises until the silence is over?
Prayer: Lord, help me to trust You in the waiting. When I can't see, remind me that You are still working. Teach me to rest, to hope, and to hold on to Your promise of the resurrected life—even in the silence. Amen.
Reflection:
All seems lost. Jesus lies in the tomb. But even in silence, God is at work. This is the day of waiting, of trusting without seeing.
After the brutal death of Jesus, Joseph of Arimathea wraps His body in linen and lays it in a new tomb. The stone is rolled in place. The religious leaders, fearing something more, seal the tomb and place guards outside. And then... silence.
This passage captures a day often skipped over—the day between the cross and the resurrection. It's the in-between. Jesus is in the tomb. The disciples are scattered, broken, and confused. The promises seem buried. All they can do is wait, not knowing what’s coming next.
This is the day of not seeing.
And yet, it’s part of the story. A sacred pause. A holy stillness. A day that calls us to trust even when it feels like nothing is happening.
God is still at work—even behind sealed tombs. His purposes are not always visible, but they are always moving forward.
Maybe you’re in your own “Saturday.” The prayer is unanswered. The direction unclear. The healing hasn't come. You feel stuck in silence.
But the silence is not the end.
Resurrection Sunday is coming.
Reflection Questions:
• Am I willing to trust God even when I can’t see what He’s doing?
• What does it look like to rest in His promises during seasons of waiting?
• WilI rest in His promises until the silence is over?
Prayer: Lord, help me to trust You in the waiting. When I can't see, remind me that You are still working. Teach me to rest, to hope, and to hold on to Your promise of the resurrected life—even in the silence. Amen.
The Garden Tomb - Israel 2022
Skull Hill - It looks less like a skull now than it did before. But this is the likely location the Bible refers to as Golgotha and Calvary. The image above is a picture of today. The image below an old picture posted at a site (near The Garden Tomb) - Israel 2022
Day 6 – Friday: “Behold the Lamb”
Scripture: Matthew 27:27–54; John 1:29; Exodus 12:3-13; Isaiah 53; Revelation 5:6-13
Reflection:
Jesus is mocked, beaten, and crucified. He bears our sin and cries, “It is finished.” The curtain tears, and access to God is made possible.
“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” – John 1:29
The Lamb in Exodus – A Lamb for Each House
Exodus 12:3-13
The story of redemption begins vividly in Egypt, as God prepares to deliver His people from slavery. Each Israelite household is commanded to sacrifice a spotless lamb and apply its blood to the doorposts. When the Lord passed through Egypt, He would “pass over” any home marked by the blood of the lamb.
Reflection:
The lamb’s blood didn’t just symbolize safety—it secured it. This was more than a moment of deliverance; it was a foreshadowing of a greater salvation yet to come. God was showing us that the price of freedom is life, and only a perfect substitute could pay it.
The Lamb in Isaiah – A Lamb Led to Slaughter
Isaiah 53:7
Centuries later, the prophet Isaiah describes a mysterious Servant:
“He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter…”
Here, the lamb is no longer just a symbol of deliverance but a person—innocent, silent, and willing. The suffering Servant bears the weight of sin, not for one household, but for all people.
Reflection:
Isaiah’s vision opens our eyes to a divine mystery: the Lamb would not only save, but suffer. God's own Servant would carry our guilt, offering His life willingly.
The Lamb on the Cross – Jesus, the Ultimate Sacrifice
John 1:29, John 19:14-30
John the Baptist points to Jesus and says, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” On the cross, Jesus becomes the final Passover Lamb. At the very hour lambs were being slaughtered for the Passover feast, Jesus cried out, “It is finished.”
Reflection:
Jesus didn’t die as a victim of circumstance, but as the Lamb chosen before the foundation of the world (1 Peter 1:19-20). His sacrifice was perfect, once for all. No more blood needed. No more sacrifices. Redemption had a name, and it was Jesus.
The Lamb in Revelation – Worthy is the Lamb
Revelation 5:6-13
In the throne room of heaven, John sees a Lamb, “looking as if it had been slain,” standing at the center of all worship. The Lamb alone is worthy to open the scroll, for He has ransomed people for God from every tribe, tongue, and nation.
Reflection:
The Lamb who died is alive and reigning. His wounds are now His glory. All of heaven erupts in worship—not for a warrior, but for a Lamb. The blood of Jesus didn’t just save us—it secured eternity.
Takeaway Thought:
From Egypt to Calvary to the heavenly throne, the Lamb is God’s plan of redemption. In His innocence, He bore our sin. In His blood, we find freedom. And in His resurrection, we find eternal hope.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for being the Lamb who takes away my sin. Help me to live in the freedom You purchased, to worship You with my whole heart, and to follow You wherever You lead. Worthy is the Lamb who was slain! Amen.
Reflection:
Jesus is mocked, beaten, and crucified. He bears our sin and cries, “It is finished.” The curtain tears, and access to God is made possible.
“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” – John 1:29
The Lamb in Exodus – A Lamb for Each House
Exodus 12:3-13
The story of redemption begins vividly in Egypt, as God prepares to deliver His people from slavery. Each Israelite household is commanded to sacrifice a spotless lamb and apply its blood to the doorposts. When the Lord passed through Egypt, He would “pass over” any home marked by the blood of the lamb.
Reflection:
The lamb’s blood didn’t just symbolize safety—it secured it. This was more than a moment of deliverance; it was a foreshadowing of a greater salvation yet to come. God was showing us that the price of freedom is life, and only a perfect substitute could pay it.
The Lamb in Isaiah – A Lamb Led to Slaughter
Isaiah 53:7
Centuries later, the prophet Isaiah describes a mysterious Servant:
“He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter…”
Here, the lamb is no longer just a symbol of deliverance but a person—innocent, silent, and willing. The suffering Servant bears the weight of sin, not for one household, but for all people.
Reflection:
Isaiah’s vision opens our eyes to a divine mystery: the Lamb would not only save, but suffer. God's own Servant would carry our guilt, offering His life willingly.
The Lamb on the Cross – Jesus, the Ultimate Sacrifice
John 1:29, John 19:14-30
John the Baptist points to Jesus and says, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” On the cross, Jesus becomes the final Passover Lamb. At the very hour lambs were being slaughtered for the Passover feast, Jesus cried out, “It is finished.”
Reflection:
Jesus didn’t die as a victim of circumstance, but as the Lamb chosen before the foundation of the world (1 Peter 1:19-20). His sacrifice was perfect, once for all. No more blood needed. No more sacrifices. Redemption had a name, and it was Jesus.
The Lamb in Revelation – Worthy is the Lamb
Revelation 5:6-13
In the throne room of heaven, John sees a Lamb, “looking as if it had been slain,” standing at the center of all worship. The Lamb alone is worthy to open the scroll, for He has ransomed people for God from every tribe, tongue, and nation.
Reflection:
The Lamb who died is alive and reigning. His wounds are now His glory. All of heaven erupts in worship—not for a warrior, but for a Lamb. The blood of Jesus didn’t just save us—it secured eternity.
Takeaway Thought:
From Egypt to Calvary to the heavenly throne, the Lamb is God’s plan of redemption. In His innocence, He bore our sin. In His blood, we find freedom. And in His resurrection, we find eternal hope.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for being the Lamb who takes away my sin. Help me to live in the freedom You purchased, to worship You with my whole heart, and to follow You wherever You lead. Worthy is the Lamb who was slain! Amen.
Day 5 – Thursday: “Lest We Forget”
Scripture: Luke 22:14–46
Reflection:
Jesus shares the Passover meal, institutes the Lord’s Supper, and prays in agony in the garden. He willingly accepts the cup of suffering out of love for us.
“And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’”
Scripture: Luke 22:19 (ESV)
It’s easy to forget.
We forget birthdays, appointments, keys... even names. But more tragically, we often forget God—not in belief, but in practice.
In Luke 22:19, on the eve of His crucifixion, Jesus gathered with His disciples for the Last Supper and instituted something sacred—a simple act of remembrance. “Do this,” He said, “in remembrance of me.” It wasn’t just about bread and wine. It was about anchoring the hearts of His followers to the cross, the cost, and the covenant.
Why remembrance? Because Jesus knew the fragility of our memory when it comes to spiritual things.
Throughout Scripture, God constantly calls His people to remember. After the Israelites crossed the Jordan during flood time in Joshua 4:2-3 a pillar of stones was made as a remembrance. Joshua’s stones of remembrance would be one monument in a series of memorials commemorating the mighty acts of God on behalf of the people of Israel in passages like Exodus 13:3–6; 24:4; Deuteronomy 27:1–8; Joshua 22:9–12; 24:24–28; 1 Samuel 7:12. Stories and memorials helped them remember how He delivered them from Egypt, His promises, and His faithfulness. The Passover meal is an incredible time that not only shows God’s grace and rescue during the Israel’s history with the Passover lamb but also paints the image of our Savior and Lord, the Lamb of God and His sacrifice on the cross. And yet, time and again, they forgot. And so do we.
forget the miracles when we’re facing the storm.
We forget His grace when we fall short.
We forget His presence when we feel alone.
That’s why Jesus didn’t just teach us to remember—He gave us a ritual, a physical, tangible way to draw near and refresh our hearts to what He has done for us.
The bread and the cup are not just symbols—they are reminders of a love so deep it was nailed to a cross. When we take Communion, we’re not just participating in a church tradition—we’re accepting Jesus’ invitation to remember who He is, what He’s done, and who we are in Him.
What has caused you to “forget” the goodness or nearness of God lately?
How can you build rhythms of remembrance into your life—through prayer, journaling, community, or worship?
The next time you take Communion, take a moment to deeply reflect—what are you remembering?
Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for knowing how easily I forget. Help me to remember—Your sacrifice, Your mercy, and Your love. Thank You for the new covenant in Your blood. Bring to mind daily the cross and the victory You’ve won for me. Make my heart soft to Your voice and steady in remembrance. Amen.
Reflection:
Jesus shares the Passover meal, institutes the Lord’s Supper, and prays in agony in the garden. He willingly accepts the cup of suffering out of love for us.
“And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’”
Scripture: Luke 22:19 (ESV)
It’s easy to forget.
We forget birthdays, appointments, keys... even names. But more tragically, we often forget God—not in belief, but in practice.
In Luke 22:19, on the eve of His crucifixion, Jesus gathered with His disciples for the Last Supper and instituted something sacred—a simple act of remembrance. “Do this,” He said, “in remembrance of me.” It wasn’t just about bread and wine. It was about anchoring the hearts of His followers to the cross, the cost, and the covenant.
Why remembrance? Because Jesus knew the fragility of our memory when it comes to spiritual things.
Throughout Scripture, God constantly calls His people to remember. After the Israelites crossed the Jordan during flood time in Joshua 4:2-3 a pillar of stones was made as a remembrance. Joshua’s stones of remembrance would be one monument in a series of memorials commemorating the mighty acts of God on behalf of the people of Israel in passages like Exodus 13:3–6; 24:4; Deuteronomy 27:1–8; Joshua 22:9–12; 24:24–28; 1 Samuel 7:12. Stories and memorials helped them remember how He delivered them from Egypt, His promises, and His faithfulness. The Passover meal is an incredible time that not only shows God’s grace and rescue during the Israel’s history with the Passover lamb but also paints the image of our Savior and Lord, the Lamb of God and His sacrifice on the cross. And yet, time and again, they forgot. And so do we.
forget the miracles when we’re facing the storm.
We forget His grace when we fall short.
We forget His presence when we feel alone.
That’s why Jesus didn’t just teach us to remember—He gave us a ritual, a physical, tangible way to draw near and refresh our hearts to what He has done for us.
The bread and the cup are not just symbols—they are reminders of a love so deep it was nailed to a cross. When we take Communion, we’re not just participating in a church tradition—we’re accepting Jesus’ invitation to remember who He is, what He’s done, and who we are in Him.
What has caused you to “forget” the goodness or nearness of God lately?
How can you build rhythms of remembrance into your life—through prayer, journaling, community, or worship?
The next time you take Communion, take a moment to deeply reflect—what are you remembering?
Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for knowing how easily I forget. Help me to remember—Your sacrifice, Your mercy, and Your love. Thank You for the new covenant in Your blood. Bring to mind daily the cross and the victory You’ve won for me. Make my heart soft to Your voice and steady in remembrance. Amen.
The traditional room of "The Last Supper" as it is today - Israel 2022
Devotional in the Garden of Gethsemane (Between Bethany and Jerusalem on the Mt. of Olives). A chance for us to stop, pray, reflect, and thank Jesus for the love He has for us- Israel 2022
Day 4 – Wednesday: Devotion in a Costly Offering
Scripture: Matthew 26:6–13
Reflection:
Mary anoints Jesus with expensive perfume, preparing Him for burial. Her act of devotion stands in contrast to Judas’ impending betrayal.
"Now when Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, a woman came up to him with an alabaster flask of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head as he reclined at table. And when the disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? For this could have been sold for a large sum and given to the poor.” But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a beautiful thing to me.'"
— Matthew 26:6–10 (ESV)
In this moment at Simon the Leper's house, a woman (John identifies her as Mary, sister of Martha and Lazarus) steps into a room full of men and does something shocking—she pours a lavish, costly perfume over Jesus’ head! To many, it looked like a waste. But to Jesus, it was a beautiful act of worship showing devotion.
What does true devotion look like?
The woman gave extravagantly, without concern for social expectations or criticism. She didn’t speak, it was just her actions that spoke for her. Her offering wasn’t practical, but it was deeply personal. And Jesus received it as a preparation for His burial acknowledging her unique sensitivity to what was coming.
Others were focused on efficiency and appearance. The disciples, well-meaning in their concern for the poor, missed the moment of love unfolding before them. How often do we do the same—choosing what looks right or practical over what love requires?
Devotion is not always practical and often looks wasteful, reckless, or overly emotional. Jesus looks at the value behind the gift not the value of the gift. Jesus is looking at the heart of the person. When we are devoted to Jesus our heart is in the right place no matter how it looks to those around us. Every act of love that shows Jesus working through us matters because not every person is going to see that act as foolish or wasteful; some are going to see Jesus.
Let your love for Jesus be like that perfume, poured out lavishly and without apology. It may not always make sense to others, but if it’s for your love for Him, it’s never wasted.
Prayer:
Jesus, help me to love You with abandon. Let my devotion not be limited by what others think or by what seems practical. May my life be a fragrant offering to You, obedient and worshipful, full of small and great acts of love and devotion. Remind me that nothing done for You is ever wasted. Amen.
Reflection:
Mary anoints Jesus with expensive perfume, preparing Him for burial. Her act of devotion stands in contrast to Judas’ impending betrayal.
"Now when Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, a woman came up to him with an alabaster flask of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head as he reclined at table. And when the disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? For this could have been sold for a large sum and given to the poor.” But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a beautiful thing to me.'"
— Matthew 26:6–10 (ESV)
In this moment at Simon the Leper's house, a woman (John identifies her as Mary, sister of Martha and Lazarus) steps into a room full of men and does something shocking—she pours a lavish, costly perfume over Jesus’ head! To many, it looked like a waste. But to Jesus, it was a beautiful act of worship showing devotion.
What does true devotion look like?
The woman gave extravagantly, without concern for social expectations or criticism. She didn’t speak, it was just her actions that spoke for her. Her offering wasn’t practical, but it was deeply personal. And Jesus received it as a preparation for His burial acknowledging her unique sensitivity to what was coming.
Others were focused on efficiency and appearance. The disciples, well-meaning in their concern for the poor, missed the moment of love unfolding before them. How often do we do the same—choosing what looks right or practical over what love requires?
Devotion is not always practical and often looks wasteful, reckless, or overly emotional. Jesus looks at the value behind the gift not the value of the gift. Jesus is looking at the heart of the person. When we are devoted to Jesus our heart is in the right place no matter how it looks to those around us. Every act of love that shows Jesus working through us matters because not every person is going to see that act as foolish or wasteful; some are going to see Jesus.
Let your love for Jesus be like that perfume, poured out lavishly and without apology. It may not always make sense to others, but if it’s for your love for Him, it’s never wasted.
Prayer:
Jesus, help me to love You with abandon. Let my devotion not be limited by what others think or by what seems practical. May my life be a fragrant offering to You, obedient and worshipful, full of small and great acts of love and devotion. Remind me that nothing done for You is ever wasted. Amen.
Day 3 – Tuesday: Teaching and Rebuking in the Temple & the Plot to Kill Jesus
Scripture: Matthew 21:23–22:46; Matthew 26:1–5; Hebrews 12:3-17
Reflection:
It is Tuesday and “the other rider,” the one that shows humility and brings peace to the world, unlike the four riders in Revelation 6, is teaching in the temple with authority, silencing His critics. Meanwhile, plans are being made to take His life. Even as evil schemes are set in motion, God’s plan for salvation and peace with God for mankind unfolds. Not everyone will receive Jesus with the same heart. Several will turn away from Him instead of turning towards Him. Only a few will see God’s salvation and make the choice that is needed.
Many of Jesus’ teachings even in this last week were loaded with rebuke for the religious, the powerful, the rich, the popular, and the strong. Being rebuked offers a unique opportunity. Unfortunately, since rebuking is a form of being disciplined, no one wants to walk through the discipline to the opportunity that it holds.
“For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” – Hebrews 12:11 ESV
The opportunity it provides is for us to make the choice to repent, to change, and to turn from the ways that are wrong to those that are right. We have an opportunities to grow more Christ like as the Holy Spirit is showing us what needs to be removed from our attitudes, our actions, and our lives to change to His attitude, His actions, and His life. Growing to be more like Christ is the process of sanctification.
In sanctification, we learn and we grow and this growth “yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.” We take the rebuking and we learn from it. The Pharisees and Sadducees did not grow from the rebuke of Jesus. Instead, they let their intimidation, their fear of losing their power, their place above the people and their pride grow, further hardening their hearts.
We can get into that same situation. We are no different. We are being rebuked and instead of taking the opportunity to turn, learn and grow, we let the hurt and pride grow and harden our hearts towards what God is trying to teach us. Remember that for those who are in Christ, discipline comes from the Father because He loves us (Hebrews 12:5-6).
Prayer:
Father, even when darkness surrounds, even when I feel hurt, Your will prevails. Help me trust in Your purpose, not mine, especially when I cannot see the outcome. Help me to learn to allow You to grow in me.
Reflection:
It is Tuesday and “the other rider,” the one that shows humility and brings peace to the world, unlike the four riders in Revelation 6, is teaching in the temple with authority, silencing His critics. Meanwhile, plans are being made to take His life. Even as evil schemes are set in motion, God’s plan for salvation and peace with God for mankind unfolds. Not everyone will receive Jesus with the same heart. Several will turn away from Him instead of turning towards Him. Only a few will see God’s salvation and make the choice that is needed.
Many of Jesus’ teachings even in this last week were loaded with rebuke for the religious, the powerful, the rich, the popular, and the strong. Being rebuked offers a unique opportunity. Unfortunately, since rebuking is a form of being disciplined, no one wants to walk through the discipline to the opportunity that it holds.
“For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” – Hebrews 12:11 ESV
The opportunity it provides is for us to make the choice to repent, to change, and to turn from the ways that are wrong to those that are right. We have an opportunities to grow more Christ like as the Holy Spirit is showing us what needs to be removed from our attitudes, our actions, and our lives to change to His attitude, His actions, and His life. Growing to be more like Christ is the process of sanctification.
In sanctification, we learn and we grow and this growth “yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.” We take the rebuking and we learn from it. The Pharisees and Sadducees did not grow from the rebuke of Jesus. Instead, they let their intimidation, their fear of losing their power, their place above the people and their pride grow, further hardening their hearts.
We can get into that same situation. We are no different. We are being rebuked and instead of taking the opportunity to turn, learn and grow, we let the hurt and pride grow and harden our hearts towards what God is trying to teach us. Remember that for those who are in Christ, discipline comes from the Father because He loves us (Hebrews 12:5-6).
Prayer:
Father, even when darkness surrounds, even when I feel hurt, Your will prevails. Help me trust in Your purpose, not mine, especially when I cannot see the outcome. Help me to learn to allow You to grow in me.
Looking at the gates of the Southern Wall and steps. Rabbis would teach their disciples while they sat on the steps. Jesus may have taught His Disciples here and walked through the gates to enter the Temple courts - Israel 2022
Figs growing in Nazareth - Israel 2022
Day 2 – Monday: Curse of a Fig Tree and Cleansing the Temple
Scripture: Mark 11:12-19; Matthew 21:12–22
Reflection:
As we study the four riders in Revelation with Pastor Carlos (chapter 6) looking forward to the greatest event in the future of humanity, we turn our thoughts this week back to the greatest week in human history and the “other rider.” Not riding a great horse or any magnificent creature showing awesome power and majesty, but on a small donkey, showing humbleness. Yes, we are talking about Jesus after His triumphant entry into Jerusalem yesterday! We have more events to ponder today.
We will look at two main events today. The first is Jesus cursing a fig tree that bears no fruit and the second is the cleansing of the temple of the money changers who took up business in the temple grounds. Is there a connection between the two events?
Jesus was hungry and saw a fig tree that appeared to be healthy in the distance, its branches full of leaves, but with closer inspection there was no fruit to be harvested. Jesus cursed the tree and it withered. Upon entering the Temple area Jesus noticed all the money changers in the courtyard. Jesus drives out those misusing the temple, calling it a house of prayer not a den of thieves. His righteous anger reveals His desire for purity and genuine worship.
The fig tree often represents Israel in the Bible or a least the health of Israel (Hosea 9:10, 1 Kings 4:25) and bearing fruit Jesus uses for teaching about the spiritual health of you and me. Israel had all the appearances of following the letter of the law so they looked good on the outside and showed all their healthy leaves. Yet, there is no fruit being produced showing unhealthiness on the inside. Israel’s roots were not planted in the right place and its heart was in its outward appearance and not the inward reflection of love for God. Everything would look okay until it was time to gather the fruit and there would be none. Now the money changers were not in the courtyard to pray and worship, but they were taking advantage of those who were trying to seek and worship God, using the situation of the upcoming Passover to fill their pockets. What was going on inside was not as it was supposed to be, and yet to the people on the outside it would look like another day of worship for the Jews at the temple. Jesus cleanses the temple (for the second time) letting them know that this is a place of prayer, God’s place, not theirs.
Both of these stories contrast the appearance of things on the outside in with what is really happening on the inside. Today, the Temple is our bodies. Are we showing that everything on the outside is good and yet hiding everything that is robbing us from true worship on the inside? Are the leaves growing, but the roots are not plugged in and getting fed by God through the Holy Spirit? Is it time to cleanse God’s temple, that is our bodies, again and let it be a place of prayer again?
But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. - John 4:23 ESV
Prayer:
Jesus, cleanse my heart of anything that dishonors You. Help me to live in a way that reflects Your holiness and invites others to worship You in truth.
Reflection:
As we study the four riders in Revelation with Pastor Carlos (chapter 6) looking forward to the greatest event in the future of humanity, we turn our thoughts this week back to the greatest week in human history and the “other rider.” Not riding a great horse or any magnificent creature showing awesome power and majesty, but on a small donkey, showing humbleness. Yes, we are talking about Jesus after His triumphant entry into Jerusalem yesterday! We have more events to ponder today.
We will look at two main events today. The first is Jesus cursing a fig tree that bears no fruit and the second is the cleansing of the temple of the money changers who took up business in the temple grounds. Is there a connection between the two events?
Jesus was hungry and saw a fig tree that appeared to be healthy in the distance, its branches full of leaves, but with closer inspection there was no fruit to be harvested. Jesus cursed the tree and it withered. Upon entering the Temple area Jesus noticed all the money changers in the courtyard. Jesus drives out those misusing the temple, calling it a house of prayer not a den of thieves. His righteous anger reveals His desire for purity and genuine worship.
The fig tree often represents Israel in the Bible or a least the health of Israel (Hosea 9:10, 1 Kings 4:25) and bearing fruit Jesus uses for teaching about the spiritual health of you and me. Israel had all the appearances of following the letter of the law so they looked good on the outside and showed all their healthy leaves. Yet, there is no fruit being produced showing unhealthiness on the inside. Israel’s roots were not planted in the right place and its heart was in its outward appearance and not the inward reflection of love for God. Everything would look okay until it was time to gather the fruit and there would be none. Now the money changers were not in the courtyard to pray and worship, but they were taking advantage of those who were trying to seek and worship God, using the situation of the upcoming Passover to fill their pockets. What was going on inside was not as it was supposed to be, and yet to the people on the outside it would look like another day of worship for the Jews at the temple. Jesus cleanses the temple (for the second time) letting them know that this is a place of prayer, God’s place, not theirs.
Both of these stories contrast the appearance of things on the outside in with what is really happening on the inside. Today, the Temple is our bodies. Are we showing that everything on the outside is good and yet hiding everything that is robbing us from true worship on the inside? Are the leaves growing, but the roots are not plugged in and getting fed by God through the Holy Spirit? Is it time to cleanse God’s temple, that is our bodies, again and let it be a place of prayer again?
But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. - John 4:23 ESV
Prayer:
Jesus, cleanse my heart of anything that dishonors You. Help me to live in a way that reflects Your holiness and invites others to worship You in truth.
Day 1 – Palm Sunday: The Triumphal Entry
Scripture: Matthew 21:1–11
Reflection:
Jesus enters Jerusalem riding a donkey, fulfilling prophecy and is welcomed with shouts of “Hosanna!” Jesus is the “other rider” in our series “The Grand Opening” on the book of Revelation in the Sunday morning messages at Redbud. Even though people are yelling “Hosanna!” today, by the end of the week the same crowds would soon be crying “Crucify Him!”. His humble entrance reminds us of His servant-hearted kingship. Yet today in Israel outside of Jerusalem, as you descend down the Mount of Olives, the same descent Jesus is making into the Kindron Valley, you cannot help but notice the Temple Mount across the way and the huge walls that surround it. You see the Eastern gate, “The Golden Gate”, are all sealed up with no entrance...trying to prevent the Messiah from going through if He were coming today, as if it could. Yet the crowds yelling “Hosanna!” and then “Crucify Him!” and the sealed Eastern Gate of the Temple mount remind me of how people treat Jesus today. First, we either bring in Jesus when we want to have Him as our King even though He is always the King and then toss Him away when we want to take control of our lives again. Second is when we totally block Him out and put up a wall and block the entrances to totally keep Him out. Neither is the life that Jesus wants for you. He wants you to have life and to have it abundantly (John 10:10). This whole week as we prepare for Resurrection Sunday, remember Jesus, over 2000 years ago, during this week was preparing to be the sacrifice for our sinful lives. He became the resurrection and the life that if we believe in Him as not only our Savior, but also as our Lord, we will have life. Do we only remember Him at this time only to forget Him later? Do we say “Hosanna!” today, and “Crucify Him!” later? Do we block Him out, “blocking off that gate” and try to keep control of our lives thinking we gain our lives only to lose our life (Matthew 16:25)? This was Jesus’ triumphant entry into the city, but the bigger picture was His triumph over sin and death and taking all sins upon himself so that we will be clean in the presence of God thus restoring our relationship with Him. Let Him return to your life with a “Triumphant Entry” never to block Him out again and live this life with Jesus as King, with abundance.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, help me to recognize You as the true King—not just in moments of celebration but also in times of trial, never to block you out of my life. Make my heart a place where You are welcomed every day.
Reflection:
Jesus enters Jerusalem riding a donkey, fulfilling prophecy and is welcomed with shouts of “Hosanna!” Jesus is the “other rider” in our series “The Grand Opening” on the book of Revelation in the Sunday morning messages at Redbud. Even though people are yelling “Hosanna!” today, by the end of the week the same crowds would soon be crying “Crucify Him!”. His humble entrance reminds us of His servant-hearted kingship. Yet today in Israel outside of Jerusalem, as you descend down the Mount of Olives, the same descent Jesus is making into the Kindron Valley, you cannot help but notice the Temple Mount across the way and the huge walls that surround it. You see the Eastern gate, “The Golden Gate”, are all sealed up with no entrance...trying to prevent the Messiah from going through if He were coming today, as if it could. Yet the crowds yelling “Hosanna!” and then “Crucify Him!” and the sealed Eastern Gate of the Temple mount remind me of how people treat Jesus today. First, we either bring in Jesus when we want to have Him as our King even though He is always the King and then toss Him away when we want to take control of our lives again. Second is when we totally block Him out and put up a wall and block the entrances to totally keep Him out. Neither is the life that Jesus wants for you. He wants you to have life and to have it abundantly (John 10:10). This whole week as we prepare for Resurrection Sunday, remember Jesus, over 2000 years ago, during this week was preparing to be the sacrifice for our sinful lives. He became the resurrection and the life that if we believe in Him as not only our Savior, but also as our Lord, we will have life. Do we only remember Him at this time only to forget Him later? Do we say “Hosanna!” today, and “Crucify Him!” later? Do we block Him out, “blocking off that gate” and try to keep control of our lives thinking we gain our lives only to lose our life (Matthew 16:25)? This was Jesus’ triumphant entry into the city, but the bigger picture was His triumph over sin and death and taking all sins upon himself so that we will be clean in the presence of God thus restoring our relationship with Him. Let Him return to your life with a “Triumphant Entry” never to block Him out again and live this life with Jesus as King, with abundance.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, help me to recognize You as the true King—not just in moments of celebration but also in times of trial, never to block you out of my life. Make my heart a place where You are welcomed every day.
Looking at the East Gate from the Mount of Olives - Israel 2022