Passion Week Lessons

In this Blog Post, I would like to focus on some lessons that emerge from the Passion story of Jesus. The week of Christ’s triumphant entry, last supper, crucifixion, and resurrection epitomizes the Christian experience that takes us through times of celebration, rejection, anguish, suffering, and redemption. Jesus tells us, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). We are to follow in the footsteps of Jesus and learn from Him, so that we “know Christ--yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death” (Philippians 3:10). While there are many lessons that emerge from the Passion story, I will share three that are particularly meaningful to me.

First, sometimes we stand, so that others don’t fall. Jesus knew that He would die for those who would reject, mock, deny, and abandon Him and still He “resolutely set out for Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51) where the cross awaited Him. He did not suffer for His sake, but for ours. Sometimes we ask God why we must suffer, and while we may suffer at times for our needed growth, we may suffer for the sake of someone else. As a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17) our lives are no longer our own for we have been bought by the blood of Jesus (1 Corinthians 6:20). We are transformed with “ever increasing glory” (2 Corinthians 3:18) into the likeness of Jesus Christ. Christ was sent into the world to save us (John 3:16) and He has sent us into the world with His spirit to do what He did (John 20:21). He saved us by dying for us. We save others by dying for them—by suffering for them and with them. In 2 Corinthians 1:4 (NLT) we read: “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” This is an important reminder that our suffering is used by God to help others. When we are tempted to complain about the pain, we can remember that God wastes nothing in His kingdom and will use it all for His glorious purposes.

Second, in times of suffering, we must learn to be silent. Suffering is inevitable. From Genesis to Revelation, the good and the bad all suffer alike. In fact, Jesus states, “You will be hated by everyone because of me” (Matthew 10:22) and that some will be “persecuted and killed” for Him (Matthew 10:22). Suffering is universal and it is a guarantee for a follower of Jesus. Sometimes we suffer because of Him or for Him, and sometimes we suffer because pain happens. We do not have control over the suffering, but we do have control on how we will respond to it when it occurs. As Jesus was suffering through His trial, beatings, and crucifixion, His words were few. Isaiah 53:7 states, “He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.” Our words are powerful (Proverbs 18:21) and reflect our hearts (Luke 6:45). We can hamper the power of God working in us and for us by our words. In times of suffering, it may be difficult to be joyful and speak words of praise and thanksgiving—and that is okay. The Passion of Christ does not have a lot of songs in the suffering, but there is silence in the suffering. Our quiet response to pain can be a greater indicator of our trust in God, then our shouts of praise in our strength. Our words can make us feel worst. In silence we are less likely to entertain the grumblings of our heart, which allows us to focus on God and His faithfulness.

Lastly, do not try to defend your reputation. Live with integrity and let God do the rest. When Jesus was being falsely accused, He did not entertain the accusations with arguments to justify Himself. In Matthew 27:12 it states “And when He was accused by the chief priests and elders, He gave no answer” and in Matthew 27:14 we read, “But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge--to the great amazement of the governor.” Jesus was silent because He trusted the Father to defend Him. “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:23). Jesus knew who He was, who His father was and why He came. He did not seek or need the approval of man because He looked to the Father for His strength and identity. People will question our lives and our motives, but it is not our job to defend their charges. It is our job to keep our hearts pure before the Father and seek His approval. God knows our hearts and He will defend us if we let Him fight our battles. If we insist on getting our own way, then we get in His way. There are many lessons in the Passion Story. I pray that you will reflect on what God is telling you through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The ultimate message is that God is for you, with you, and He wins! Remember, God loves you.