A Journey Through Holy Week: From the Gospel of Matthew
"I forgot!" How many of us have heard those words from our own mouths after we failed to remember something important? God's people, both in the Old Testament and his redeemed today, are guilty of forgetting what matters most in the busyness of daily life. Is it any wonder that in the Law of God, the Torah, three festivals a year were to be attended by all Jewish males to reflect on God's grace, goodness, and revealed truth? In Deuteronomy 6:9-12, the people were to put God's word on their doorposts so that they would not forget his commands and acts of deliverance when they settled in the promise land. In the New Testament, Jesus institutes two ordinances (baptism and the Lord's Supper) for the church to practice in order to remember and reverently celebrate what he accomplished on their behalf. Throughout Holy Scripture, God calls his forgetful people to reflect on and remember his past works, so they may see his everlasting glory. Taking a journey through Holy Week in the Gospel of Matthew is another opportunity to reflect on the person and work of the Lord Jesus. Holy Week begins on the first Sunday before Resurrection Sunday (Easter) and reflects on the events of Jesus' last days leading up to his crucifixion and resurrection. This journey through Holy Week is meant to remind us of the person and work of Jesus so that our affections will be stirred and our mouths will praise him to the glory of God the Father.