“Reflections on Holy Week”
Palm Sunday ushers us into “Holy Week”. It causes us to pause and reflect during the days leading up to Easter Sunday.
Palm Sunday
The same voices who joyfully sang, “Hosanna! Blessed is the king of Israel!” would soon fall silent and turn against Jesus. Jesus came as a suffering servant, not what they had expected. When He didn’t meet their expectations, their praise faded.
Palm Sunday challenges us to a deeper kind of faith—one that trusts even when God’s plan doesn’t match our expectations. Will I still praise Him in the “even if”?
“Reflections on Holy Week”
Jesus Anointed at Bethany
John 12:1-8
The perfume wasn’t just a nice gesture. It wasn’t even a symbol of generosity. Mary didn’t measure, budget, or save a little for herself. She poured it all out. It was a sacrifice that cost her everything and in doing so, she displayed her true devotion to and pure worship of Jesus, holding nothing back.
What am I holding back from being wholly devoted to Jesus? What does my sacrifice look like? Is it a true act of worship or am saving some for myself?
Nothing poured out to Jesus is ever wasted.
“Reflections on Holy Week”
Maundy-Thursday
Maundy Thursday—the night before the cross. The last day Jesus would be with His disciples. Here, the Creator stoops to serve His creation. The Bread of Life breaks the bread and shares the wine. The Wonderful Counselor seeks His Father in the garden. “Not my will, but Your’s be done.” The King of Kings arrested. With the burden of the cross just hours away, Jesus is ever present, setting the example of love, obedience, and surrender.
(John 13-18; Matthew 26)
Lord Jesus, as You felt the weight of the world pressing down on You that night, allow me to feel the weight of these events. Move my heart and make me like you, even in these moments. Help me to be humble. Help me to remember Your body and Your blood. You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. You are the True Vine. Teach me to abide in You. Help me to love as you commanded – as you loved. Help me to seek Your will in all I do, living each day in full surrender to You.
Amen.
Heather Hanton
Ministries and Media Specialist
The Salvation Army USA Central Territory
Women’s Ministries Department
