HOLY WEEK: MONDAY

Have you ever contemplated the unfolding of the events of Holy Week?  What was Jesus doing in days leading up to the Cross?  What was happening around Him that impacted the incredible significance of this event of the crucifixion?

See the video here:  Monday of Holy Week

Jesus seemed concerned about three things on Monday: 1)  The failure of religion to bring men near to God.   Calling the Pharisees “white-washed tombs” on the week leading up to Jesus being placed in a tomb is key. He’s reminding us that man can take any religion – even one established by God Himself – and turn it into a self-serving, prideful exercise that is more characterized by deadness than life.   Is YOUR worship dead, or is it alive?  Is it Christ-focused, or man-focused?  

2) Jesus is also concerned about FRUIT in the lives of His followers. This is the day that Jesus curses the fig tree because it has no fruit on it.  The disciples who saw this were perplexed by why Jesus did it – but His purpose is to point out distaste for fruitlessness.  It’s an indictment on Israel and her rejection of Jesus Himself.  Today, it stands as an indictment upon unfruitful believers in Christ.  Look on the tree of your own life?  Is there spiritual fruit?  Should Jesus expect to see fruit in your life as He examines under the leaves – or are there “nothing but leaves”?

3)  Jesus cleanses the temple on this day – a strong testimony of His heart for PURE WORSHIP and His authority to purify worship.  It’s clear Jesus had a passion for pure worship and a passion for prayer.  “My house shall be called a house of prayer.”   Reconsider your worship this week in light of Jesus’ actions on Monday. Is it pure, or selfish?  Is it about God, or about you?  

On Monday, Jesus breaks down what is not worth keeping, and sets straight the path to the ultimate sacrifice – death on the Cross for mankind.