By Melissa McLaughlin
When I consider the Scripture accounts of Holy Week, I envision a spiritual rollercoaster evoking profound highs and lows. Our hearts soar with the crowds during Christ’s celebratory triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday (Matthew 21:1-11).
Yet, all too soon, different voices cut through the cheers.
On Monday, following the triumphal entry, Jesus cleansed the temple and healed the blind and lame, unfurling a full display of His divinity (Matthew 21:12-14). Meanwhile, praises from the day before continued echoing from children’s lips, reinforcing the announcement of Jesus as Messiah.
In Matthew 21:15-16 (ESV) we read:
But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying out in the temple, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignant, and they said to him, “Do you hear what these are saying?” And Jesus said to them, “Yes; have you never read, “‘Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies you have prepared praise’?” (Here Jesus referenced Psalm 8:2).
One day earlier, on Palm Sunday, Jesus openly entered Jerusalem, fulfilling the prophecy from Zechariah 9:9, and accepting worship from the people as Messiah (Luke 19:40). Once again, on Holy Monday, Jesus willingly received praises.
However, amid these sounds of hope and rejoicing, the chief priests and scribes mumbled indignantly. At what? At the wonderful things Jesus did and the children’s praises?
Here’s an important lesson: if prideful adults refuse to exalt Jesus’ name, the rocks and the children will!
The next day, on Tuesday of Holy Week, Jesus cursed a fig tree that bore leaves, but no fruit (Matthew 21:18-22). (On a side note, the gospel of Mark 11, records this account over two days.) It is important to understand that the fig tree normally bore fruit before the leaves, therefore, the sight of leaves meant an expectation of fruit.
The unfruitful fig tree represented those who carried out elaborate religious appearances (showy leaves) but inwardly harbored cold hearts toward Christ and produced no fruit of sincere faith.
This sobering lesson shed light on the spiritual condition of Israel at that time. But the spiritual principle applies to anyone at any time. May we always remember God looks upon the heart and desires the fruit of authentic faith.
Soon after, the chief priests and elders questioned Jesus, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority” (Matthew 21:23-27). Jesus answered by questioning their competence to ask this question, requesting them to identify the source of John’s baptism and calling.
If their question arose from a heart posture of genuine faith, then answering Jesus’ question would have provided the answer to their own. Sadly, their true motivation was to trap Jesus in His words.
May we pray for those today whose only goal is to find loopholes in God’s Word to discredit God, instead of reading the Bible as a lifeline to the Savior.
Jesus concluded His teaching with two parables. In the parable of the two sons (Matthew 21:28-32), Jesus explicitly stated that tax collectors and prostitutes would enter the kingdom of God before the chief priests and elders. At this critical juncture, Jesus defined with total clarity the state of their heart condition.
In the last account on Holy Tuesday, Jesus told the parable of the tenants who beat the master’s servants and killed his son (Matthew 21:33-46). When chief priests and elders suggested a befitting judgment, Jesus responded:
Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: “‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits. And the one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him” (Matthew 21:42-44 ESV).
Profoundly, Jesus quoted Psalm 118:22-23 here, the same Scripture containing the prophetic Palm Sunday praises of “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord” (Psalm 118:25-26).
In this lesson, Jesus stressed that the kingdom of God belongs to those who demonstrate wholehearted faith. Ironically, the chief priests and elders recognized that Jesus was speaking about them. However, instead of responding to this dire warning with repentance and faith, they sought a way to kill Jesus.
Ultimately, Israel’s rejection of Christ opened the door for Gentiles to receive the good news of the gospel. The chief cornerstone, Christ, now serves as the anchor point for two walls, Jewish and Gentile believers.
During these lessons from the beginning of Holy Week, Jesus set up the scenes for the remainder of Holy Week, inviting people to know Him as Messiah, prior to His death, burial, and resurrection.
Throughout Holy Monday and Holy Tuesday, Jesus exhibited His divine role:
- Cleansing the temple of money changing and extortion
- Reclaiming the temple as a house of prayer
- Healing the blind and lame
- Accepting the praises of children
- Cursing an unfruitful fig tree to teach a lesson
- Exposing the motivations of the chief priests and elders
- Teaching about the requirement of true fruit-bearing faith
As we look ahead to contemplate the Last Supper, the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus’ death on the cross, and His resurrection from the grave, may we pause at each stop along the way and take in the fullness of God’s holiness, power, and powerful love. It is marvelous in our sight.
What stirs your heart as you reflect on the beginning of Holy Week?
Psalm 118:22-26 (ESV)
The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.
This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.
This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.Save us, we pray, O Lord! O Lord, we pray, give us success!
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
Other posts you may enjoy:
What do you think about the Messiah? Psalm 110
Who is the King of glory? Psalm 24
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A wonderful summary of Holy Week and the division between true believers and those who think they know more than our Lord. I copied a line from your blog and texted it to my son, the one I have been writing about on my blog. He is going against Jesus with how he lives but goes to church and praises with his deceitful lips. In His love, Julie
When I read Matthew chapter 21, I was moved to see the great divide between true believers and those who are consider themselves believers, but are actually in rebellion against the Lord. I pray for all who are blind, whether one way or another, to see Jesus as the one who saves us, yes… and the one who is also our LORD. Prayers lifted, dear Julie.
I’m thankful that every time I read Scripture I glean something new. Reading and meditating on His Word brings answers and peace. As we begin Holy Week, I am reminded of the importance of reading His Word every day. Have a blessed week! 🙂
I agree, Melissa. Each day there is something new to discover or remember from God’s Word. May we feast upon this Daily Bread from Heaven! Blessed week!
Wishing you blessings during this Holy week!
Thank you, Linda! Blessings to you and yours during this Holy week!
Thank you for this inspirational message and for the Whole Bible Devotional. The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is the Lord’s doing and it is marvelous in our eyes. THIS is the day that the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it!
Thank you for your words of encouragement and support. To God be the glory! What a gift that we anchored ourselves on Christ, the cornerstone, rather than stumbling over Him. We will rejoice and be glad in it!
This is a beautiful picture of the first couple days of Jesus’ life during this holy week.
Jesus knew what He was facing; yet, He ministered to everyone.
His love is extraordinary.
It’s truly something to imagine Jesus, here at the beginning of Holy Week. You’re right… He knew all that lay ahead. And yet, He continued to minister and teach. Even those who were trying to kill Him. May we always be in awe of His amazing grace and love.
A beautiful heartfelt summary.
Thank you Melissa.
God bless you, dear Audre. May our hearts be stirred anew as we remember all our Savior did to rescue and redeem us!
I loved your explanation of Holy Week and the voices that come into play. Thanks Melissa and blessings on your Easter
Thank you for reading, Yvonne. It’s so powerful to meditate on these Holy Week Scriptures. God bless you and yours this Easter!
Yes, Melissa, these lessons are sobering but important. I pray for those who try to find loopholes in God’s Word and in who Jesus is. And as I evaluate my own life and walk with the Lord, I want my life to cry, “Hosanna!” and not “Crucify Him!”.
Amen, Karen! So well said. Lord, keep my heart humble and looking to you at the King and LORD, not looking for loopholes in your Word. May our hearts always sing “Hosanna!” God bless you, Karen! You shine so brightly for Him.
So good. I love how every time I read God’s word, I get something new, fresh, or different…. yet it’s the same text!
I know what you mean, Jessica! Though I’ve read the Scriptures accounts of Holy Week more times than I can count, the Holy Spirit always illuminates a new glowing truth. God bless you!