What’s Interesting and Hopeful About Holy Week?

This week many of our readers (including our team) are celebrating Holy Week, the most important events of history. Without the death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, there’d be no Christianity--or the hope and life that it brings. Also, many of our Jewish readers celebrate the Passover commemorating their miraculous Exodus from Egyptian slavery, as told in the Bible. Whether you celebrate these or not, you’ll be fascinated and inspired by knowing a few facts. Years ago, I found out there’s astounding historical and scientific evidence that Jesus Christ actually did rise from the dead after three days. In this 19-min video, Kirk Cameron interviews authors and researchers who were formerly atheists.

And just yesterday, I learned Jesus used a specific cup during the Passover seder to institute His ‘new covenant’.

There is such rich meaning behind the Jewish seder, for Jews AND for Christians. During the famous Last Supper, Jesus celebrated the Passover meal with his disciples before He would be crucified the next day. He announced a new covenant between God and mankind when He shared the bread and “took the cup”. But it was one of four specific cups. The word used signifies it was the third cup.

According to Chabad.org, “Many reasons are given for drinking four cups of wine. Here are some of them: When promising to deliver the Jews from Egyptian slavery, G‑d used four terms to describe the redemption (Exodus 6:6-8): a) "I shall take you out..." b) "I shall rescue you..." c) "I shall redeem you..." d) "I shall take you..." InductiveBible.org explains further connections: “The cup of redemption / blessing: ‘I will also redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments’.”

“…. what is the significance that Jesus referred to the third cup as His ‘blood of the covenant which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins’? See again Exo 6:6 and think: upon Whom did God’s judgment fall to accomplish our redemption? Cf. Isa 53:4-6.”

I found this fascinating. There is no end to the significance, love and hope that comes from knowing Jesus, …. and knowing more and more about Him! The account of the Passover and Resurrection Sunday (Easter) is just as relevant to each of our lives today as when these events happened. Don’t we need hope right now?

We pray that you and your families will be blessed as you take time to consider these promises.