Before I begin, I wanted to wish you all a blessed Good Friday. Even though we are going through some tough times, this is a time to remember what our Lord Jesus Christ did for us. This is why I decided to read Matthew chapters 21-28 this week. This is honestly one of my favorite books in the Bible, mainly because it is a very detailed account of Jesus’ life. These chapters in particular talk about the moments that led up to His crucifixion and also His resurrection. This week, I want to share with you the things that stood out to me as I read these chapters.

1. Jesus is a humble and loving God.

Most kings and noblemen in those days rode into towns on horses to show their status and superiority. However, Jesus instead rode in on a donkey. This was not only to fulfill what was said by the prophet Zechariah but also to show the crowds His humility. In the same way, we must humble ourselves.

“And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” – Matthew 23:12

Jesus also shows us His love several times. Not only when He gave His life for us, but even when speaking to the Pharisees who hated Him. These men did what they could to trick Him because they wanted Him dead. However, rather than speaking to them in hate, Jesus spoke to them in love. Jesus wanted them to see their hypocrisy and their shortcomings so that they may turn from their ways. He still does that today. Jesus helps us see our shortcomings so that we may have a better relationship with Him.

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” – 2 Peter 3:9

2. We are all equal.

In this world, we constantly see people fighting to be equal to others. Well, in Jesus we are all equal. Jesus met with so many kinds of people. Pharisees, tax collectors, Samaritans, prostitutes, the blind, and the sick. No one was better than then other. It didn’t matter what they had done, where they came from. If someone came to Jesus and asked for forgiveness, He would forgive them of their sins. He also corrected those who thought themselves as blameless. The word of God was given to us so that we may be closer to God and so that we may learn what is right.

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” – 2 Timothy 3:16-17

3. Jesus is coming soon.

In chapters 24 and 25, Jesus tells His disciples the signs of the end of time. I am not going to list everything that He said because I genuinely believe that going into the word yourself is the best way to learn for yourself what is to come. However, I will say this, Jesus is coming soon. Be mindful that no one knows the day or the time, but He is coming. Maybe that sounds scary to some. I know that it used to scare me. However, I realize that the reason I was scared was that I was not prepared for His coming as He tells us to be time and time again in these chapters. The closer I get to Jesus, the more peace I feel. The time is drawing near. So be prepared.

4. Jesus suffered a lot because of His love for us.

Even before Jesus was tortured and crucified, emotionally He was distraught. He knew what was coming. He says it Himself in chapter 26: 38,

“My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death.”

However, rather than run away, He prayed. He asked for God’s will to be done in His life. I can’t even begin to imagine what He went through emotionally and physically. I honestly cried when reading the last few chapters. To picture the hate, the torture, the pain is heartbreaking. And yet He did that for you and me. He put up with unimaginable pain so that we may be saved.

            It is thanks to that sacrifice that we can be reunited with God. Jesus is the one true savior. In those times, if you wanted to be forgiven, you had to sacrifice a lamb or a dove. We no longer have to do that because Jesus is the lamb. He gave His life so that we may live. This is something that I know I could never repay. I am just thankful that He loved me that much. That He would consider me His child. There is no one like Jesus. Not only did He give His life for us, but He conquered death.

“No one is like you, Lord; you are great, and your name is mighty in power.” – Jeremiah 10:6

5. Jesus calls us to make disciples.

After His resurrection, Jesus met with His disciples in Galilee. Before ascending into heaven, He tells His disciples, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:18-19). This was not meant for just them. This was meant for us as well. We are meant to go and share the love of Christ with those around us. That is why I am here. Just as Jesus told me to do, I want to share His love with you.

As we go into Easter weekend, I encourage you all to read His story. Read about the sacrifice that Jesus did so that you may be saved. Once you’ve done that, share it with others. We are called to love just as He loves us. May God bless you all this weekend and may you never forget how much Jesus loves you.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.  For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” – John 3:16-17