INTRODUCTION
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died - more than that, who was raised - who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us (Romans 8:31-34).
In this passage above you can almost feel the apostle Paul's emotions building to a climax as he walks through the ministry of Christ on our behalf: "the one who died... who was raised... who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us." These are the events that we remember and celebrate throughout Holy Week and the Easter season. This devotional is meant to be a guide as we journey together through this 9-week series from Palm Sunday, in March, to Pentecost, in May. You may choose to use this resource as an individual, as a family, or as a small group. Be sure to use the reflection questions at the end of each devotion. I hope and pray that as you engage with this season you will find comfort and strength in the present advocacy of Christ and the Holy Spirit. God is for us!
HOLY WEEK AND EASTER
Holy Week is the week between Palm Sunday (or Passion Sunday) and Easter. It is a time to remember and celebrate the events that took place in real time and space in redemptive history. Palm Sunday celebrates Jesus' entry into Jerusalem: the beginning of his journey to the cross. Good Friday is a sobering remembrance of the crucifixion, highlighting the depth of God's love for us. Easter is a joyful and hopeful celebration of Jesus' resurrection from the dead. It is a time to highlight how Jesus rose to new life, defeating death and the power of the grave.
40 DAYS OF PASSION AND PURPOSE
After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples over a period of 40 days before he ascended to heaven. This will be a time for us, as a church body, to also "walk with Jesus," in a sense, for a period of 40 days. During this 5-week sermon series we will be highlighting some of the characteristics of being a disciple of Christ, filled with passion and purpose for God's kingdom.
ASCENSION AND PENTECOST
40 days after the resurrection, Jesus ascended to heaven, returning to the Father and taking his position at the Father's right hand. 10 days after the ascension (50 days after the resurrection), Jesus sent the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit fulfilled Jesus' promise in John 14:16 to send "another Advocate" who would equip and empower his people.
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