HOLY WEEK: WEDNESDAY

Wednesday of Holy Week is often called the “Silent Day.”  Two days before His crucifixion…the clock is ticking toward the tomb…and we find nearly nothing from Scripture about the activities of Jesus.  However, if we look at what has already transpired, and what is about to happen, we can deduce that some critical things are happening.


Silence is what happens outwardly when people scheme and plan inwardly.  Jesus was about to be betrayed by a kiss from Judas. He was about to be conspired against by the scribes and Pharisees, in conjunction with the Romans who occupied Jerusalem.  While silence was taking place outwardly, hatred and resentment were building in the hearts of the residents of the city.   Jesus will soon be lied about, beaten horribly and sentenced to death. He will be betrayed by one of his followers, denied by another three times. His followers will soon flee from his presence.
I sometimes wonder how Jesus could be so forgiving of those who hated and denied him so absolutely.  Usually, I think about this when I am needing to forgive someone who wounds or betrays me.  It happens to all of us at some time or another.  What HE is going through on Wednesday identifies with what we sometimes go through.  Is HIS forgiveness of those who plotted against him our inspiration for forgiving others?  Because of what He is about to go through, we can forgive those who sin against us.


I believe silence also happens when people pray.  We KNOW Jesus was a man of prayer.  We KNOW He often went away to be alone.  Two days before the day that will forever be known as the day of the redemption of sinful man – I have no doubt Jesus is praying. He’s burdened by what is about to happen.  His character, integrity and physical health will be shredded to the max. He will bear the sin of mankind on His shoulders.
The Silent Day should remind us of the importance and the power of prayer. Whatever we must endure, we do it through prayer – just as He did.  Prayer steals the will to carry out the tasks we’ve been assigned.  He’s praying on Wednesday.  Are you?