Holy Week: Wednesday
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
Matthew 3:2
We don’t often associate laughter and joy with the days leading up to Easter. You can’t sentimentalize something as gruesome as a crucifixion. And Calvary is nothing to laugh about. That’s probably one reason we don’t have Easter parties prior to Sunday. You know, like we have Christmas parties leading up to the 25th of December.
In fact, this time leading up to Easter is known as Lent. And you know what Lent is? It’s a time of self-examination—a time of prayer and somber fasting. A time of confession and repentance when we call to mind all those things—all those sins—which nailed Christ to his cross. It’s a sobering time. I guess if there’s a spirit preparing us for Easter, it’s the spirit of repentance.
Only when we contemplate the full weight of our sin can we genuinely celebrate all that Easter means on Resurrection Sunday. When we consider the depth of our misdoings, then we can fully enjoy the height of our happiness over Christ’s victory from the grave. Otherwise, our joy is unfounded. Our joy is only as real and as sincere as our grief over our sin. Without that, we have no idea what Jesus saved us from.
Joni Eareckson Tada’s 7-Part Holy Week Devotional
As you’re preparing your home for this Sunday’s Easter celebration, download our Holy Week guide and be sure to prepare your heart, as well.
