Worship, Cleansing, & Forgiveness (Holy Week)

Luke 19:29-40

“ And when he had said these things, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. When he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples, saying, “Go into the village in front of you, where on entering you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever yet sat. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you shall say this: ‘The Lord has need of it.’ “So those who were sent went away and found it just as he had told them. And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” And they said, “The Lord has need of it.” And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it.  And as he rode along, they spread their cloaks on the road.  As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”  And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.”

The disciples weren’t alone in their celebration—the entire crowd joined in, their hearts overflowing with praise for the miracles they’d witnessed through Jesus (Luke 18:43). Their joy couldn’t be contained, even as the Pharisees attempted to quiet them. Jesus answered their protest by declaring, “If they keep silent, the very stones will cry out.” That image is powerful: imagine the earth itself—pebbles and boulders alike—trembling and echoing with joy beneath Jesus’ feet. It’s a reminder that all creation longs to praise the Creator. For me, there’s something rejuvenating about finding restoration in nature; it’s in those moments that I sense a closeness with my Savior, and praise wells up within me, unstoppable and genuine.

Sometimes, we’re faced with expectations to hide or suppress our faith, much like the Pharisees demanded silent followers. But the love given to us by the Father is too profound to be contained. I simply cannot stay silent; praise needs no words—it can flow from our actions, our gratitude, and the very way we live.

When have you been so overwhelmed by joy that praise just bursts forth? When life’s challenges threaten to overshadow hope, peace, and joy, turn to those songs of praise. Let them fill your heart and restore you, reminding you of God’s enduring love. In the midst of hardship, choose to celebrate—even quietly—knowing that the hope, peace, and joy found in the Father remains unchanged. Allow your praise, whether spoken or silent, to be a testimony to His goodness.

• Where in your life have you felt compelled to worship God, even when others discouraged you?
• How does experiencing nature help you connect with God and inspire genuine praise?

Reflect: When has joy compelled you to worship? Let praise be your refuge when life feels overwhelming. Surround yourself with reminders of God’s faithfulness, letting worship restore your hope and peace.

As we move closer to the crucifixion, Christ’s actions hold deep meaning. The cleansing of the temple (Luke 19:45-48) reminds us our hearts and minds are God’s dwelling—what might Christ want to purify within you?

• What habits or attitudes do you sense God calling you to surrender for deeper spiritual growth?
• How can you make space in your life for Christ to renew and cleanse your heart?

Jesus’s parable about the unfaithful tenant urges us not to waste the gifts God entrusts to us.

The meaning of Passover and the Lord’s Supper will be explored next week.

Finally, Judas’s betrayal sets in motion Jesus’s trial and crucifixion. In Luke 22:3, darkness enters Judas, leading to Jesus’s condemnation as Pilate gives the crowd what they demand.

Luke 23:26-56

“And as they led him away, they seized one Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, and laid on him the cross, to carry it behind Jesus. And there followed him a great multitude of the people and of women who were mourning and lamenting for him. But turning to them Jesus said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. For behold, the days are coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren and the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’ Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us,’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us.’ For if they do these things when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?” Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!” The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.” One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun’s light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last.”

Jesus, beaten beyond what any person could endure, carried His cross to Calvary—helped along the way—before being nailed to it. As He hung there, two criminals were crucified beside Him. One mocked, echoing the crowd’s scorn, but the other recognized Jesus’s innocence and rebuked the first. In a moment of faith, this man saw the truth and received a promise from Jesus: “Today you will be with me in paradise.” This powerful exchange underscores the hope and mercy Jesus offers, even in His final moments. Equally profound are the words Jesus spoke as soldiers gambled for His garments: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” These words deeply challenge me; forgiveness, especially when we are hurt, can feel impossible. Yet, Jesus shows us that forgiveness is not dependent on others seeking it or understanding their wrongdoing. He calls us to let go, to forgive—even when it’s hardest—not because others deserve it, but because God first forgave us. When I struggle to forgive, I remember Jesus’s compassion from the cross and ask God to soften my heart, helping me to walk in the freedom forgiveness brings.

Where are you finding it hard to forgive? How do Jesus’s words from the cross shape your perspective on forgiveness? Ask God to reveal areas in your heart that need healing, and invite Him to help you extend grace, just as you have received it.

• What personal experiences of forgiveness or unforgiveness have shaped your understanding of mercy?
• How might your willingness to forgive impact your relationships and sense of peace?
• What steps can you take this week to practice forgiveness—even in situations where it feels undeserved?

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for the hope found in Your resurrection and the mercy You offer from the cross. Please soften our hearts, grant us the courage to forgive, and help us to remember Your promises even in times of sorrow. As we leave today, fill us with Your peace and lead us to share Your love and grace with those around us. Amen.