Read: 1 John 4:7-21

“These days are unlike any we have ever lived through in our lifetime.”  I have heard this from people of all ages in the last several weeks as we go through this time of stay at home orders and quarantine due to the spread of the Covid-19 virus.  People, especially followers of Jesus, were probably saying that during Passion Week as well when he ate the last supper with his disciples, was betrayed, tried before Pontius Pilate, crucified on the cross, and rose three days later.

And yet there is really no comparison.  What happened during that week over 2,000 years ago has forever changed and shaped the world we live in. Yes, things will be different as we move beyond this virus and these very challenging times, but those differences will pale in comparison to what Holy Week means for us and the world.  Holy Week is when love conquered fear. The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross shows his love for us in the grace and forgiveness that was paid for us in blood. His resurrection three days later on Easter shows that His true love even conquers death for us.

1 John 4:18 says, “There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear…”  In a time of fear, anxiety, stress, and unknowns, we need a week like this to focus on the love of God.  While it should be our focus every week this week raises our level of awareness. God loves you! His Son Jesus died for you because of that love!  Jesus rose on Easter so that his love can help you conquer and overcome anything in this world, even death! That is Holy Week, it was and still is unlike anything this world has ever seen.

Make it Personal:  Express your thanks to God this week for His love for you.  Place your trust and hope in Jesus this week who paid the ultimate price on the cross for your salvation.  When fear, worry, and anxiety are weighing you down during these weeks pray to Jesus and ask for his love, comfort, care, and deliverance to be with you.  His love over your fear!