holy week reflection
PALM SUNDAY
The people in Jesus’ land were dreaming of a time when they would be free from the Roman Soldiers who ruled their lives. They were hoping for a leader who would help them.
When Jesus came into the great city of Jerusalem the crowd was excited and restless. Many had heard of Jesus’ teaching and miracles. They longed for a leader who would help them drive the Romans from their land so that they could live in peace and prosperity. As Jesus rode through the city gates on a young donkey the people cheered and praised God. “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord.” As people began to throw their cloaks and palm leaves onto the ground to pave the way for Jesus, their hearts were full of expectation. Some of the religious leaders grumbled at Jesus but he told them that even if the crowds were silent the very stones would cry out.
Today we thought about our hopes and dreams for the future.
When Jesus came into the great city of Jerusalem the crowd was excited and restless. Many had heard of Jesus’ teaching and miracles. They longed for a leader who would help them drive the Romans from their land so that they could live in peace and prosperity. As Jesus rode through the city gates on a young donkey the people cheered and praised God. “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord.” As people began to throw their cloaks and palm leaves onto the ground to pave the way for Jesus, their hearts were full of expectation. Some of the religious leaders grumbled at Jesus but he told them that even if the crowds were silent the very stones would cry out.
Today we thought about our hopes and dreams for the future.
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MAUNDY THURSDAY
The Servant King
Jesus lived in a hot place. Most people travelled from place to place on foot. It was the custom to welcome visitors by washing their feet in cool, clean water. Normally, a servant would do this for the people.
When Jesus took his disciples to the Last Supper in the upper room, they were surprised by what he did.
Jesus took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that he pour water into a basin and began to wash his disciple’s feet, drying them with the towel.
When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his outer clothing and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them, “You call me ‘teacher and Lord’. Now that I am your Lord and teacher, and have washed your feet, you should also wash one another’s feet. I have set an example for you, now you should follow it.
Jesus lived in a hot place. Most people travelled from place to place on foot. It was the custom to welcome visitors by washing their feet in cool, clean water. Normally, a servant would do this for the people.
When Jesus took his disciples to the Last Supper in the upper room, they were surprised by what he did.
Jesus took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that he pour water into a basin and began to wash his disciple’s feet, drying them with the towel.
When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his outer clothing and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them, “You call me ‘teacher and Lord’. Now that I am your Lord and teacher, and have washed your feet, you should also wash one another’s feet. I have set an example for you, now you should follow it.
Remember Me - The Last Supper
On the night before he died Jesus had supper with his friends. He took some bread and thanking God for it he broke the bread.
Jesus gave the bread to each of his disciples and said, “Take, eat, this is my body which is given for you, do this to remember me.”
Here we looked at special objects or memories that remind us of special people and times in our lives.
Jesus gave the bread to each of his disciples and said, “Take, eat, this is my body which is given for you, do this to remember me.”
Here we looked at special objects or memories that remind us of special people and times in our lives.
Alone - The Garden of Gethsemane / The Crucifixion
Jesus knew that soon the soldiers would come to arrest him and he would be sentenced to death. He went to a garden, called Gethsemane, with his friends and asked them to keep watch while he prayed to God to help him. But his friends were tired and they fell asleep. It was in the darkness of this night that Jesus felt alone. Although he felt alone, Jesus trusted himself to God’s care.
Jesus was now alone in the garden. Following this the soldiers would come, arrest him and crucify him.
Jesus was now alone in the garden. Following this the soldiers would come, arrest him and crucify him.