Dear First Baptist Family,
One of the most astounding facts about Holy Week is that Jesus knew exactly what He was doing when He rode into Jerusalem on a donkey.
He knew that in the week ahead, He would turn over the tables in the Temple, prophetically reminding the people that God’s house was intended to be a house of prayer for all people.
He knew that the heat would be turned up as the Pharisees conspired against Him.
He knew that His path ended with a cross.
And on the night before He was killed, John’s gospel says that “Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end” (John 13:1,ESV).
He took off his outer garment, took up a basin and towel, and washed His disciples’ feet. This is how He showed His love for His disciples and gave them an example to follow.
He knew what would come later that night: betrayal, arrest, abandonment, trial, denial, and mockery.
He knew that He would be crucified the next day.
Even so, He chose the nails. He chose forgiveness of His enemies from the cross.
Step by step, Jesus voluntarily and deliberately laid down His life.
For you.
For me.
For the sins and the sake of the world.
What are we to make of this conscious choice?
First, we need to never lose the wonder of Jesus’ choice, “who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the form of a servant…and being found in human form, He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:6-8, ESV).
Second, we need to live intentional lives worthy of His sacrifice and calling (see Ephesians 4:1-2). This means giving the whole of our lives everyday to grow in character through the Holy Spirit, offer praise and thanks throughout the day, and lay down our lives intentionally for others.
I hope you will take full advantage of this week set aside to remember Jesus’ deliberate sacrifice. There are opportunities to worship on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday (stations of the cross downtown), and on Easter Sunday. We also will bless our community through Eggstravaganza at World’s Fair Park this Saturday from 2-4pm.
Take time each day to remember what Jesus has done for you. “Continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise” (Hebrews 13:15, NIV). Give thanks and celebrate!
With love,
Pastor Brent McDougal
P.S. Be sure to pray this week for our church. Pray that the message of the gospel would be clear to those who have ears to hear it. Also, remember to pray for Maryville pastor Josh Sullivan who was kidnapped in South Africa late Thursday. Pray for his safety and release, as well as his family.