Holy Wednesday, April 17, 2019

People ignore God and then blame him for the chaos that results.

Holy Wednesday is known as Spy Wednesday because on this day Judas made a bargain with the high priest to betray Jesus for 30 silver pieces.  After Jesus's arrest, Judas returned to the chief priests and threw the thirty pieces of silver at them, repenting of his deed. The priests consider it blood money, so they refused to put it in the Temple's coffers. They instead bought a potter's field -- the "field of blood" -- to be used for burying strangers. Judas went and hanged himself, and his body burst open like the potter's vessel that Jeremiah spoke of as a symbol of faithless Israel.

Legend says that the tree upon which Judas hanged himself was the Cercis siliquastrum -- a tree that is now known as the "Judas Tree." It is a beautiful tree, native to the Mediterranean region, with brilliant deep pink flowers in the spring -- flowers that are said to have blushed in shame after Judas's suicide.

This is also the day that Jesus was anointed with an expensive jar of alabaster by the woman at Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper.

Scripture ...
Luke 23:36-38

Reflections ...

The Roman Empire used crucifixion as a powerful warning and deterrent to crime. So an inscription was written to identify the criminal and the crime for which he or she was dying. Jesus’ inscription read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews” (see Matthew 27:37).

This was the mocking theme the Roman soldiers had picked up during Jesus’ trial before Pilate. When they scourged Him, they wove a crown out of thorns and put it on His head. They put a purple robe over His torn shoulders, and a reed as His royal scepter. They knelt before Him, then snatched the reed from His hand and beat Him over the head with it (see Matthew 27:27-31).

Now, at the cross, they pick up the theme again. Knowing He is suffering from agonizing thirst, they come up and offer Him sour wine—knowing full well He cannot reach it with His hands and feet nailed to the cross. Then they take up the chant of the Jewish rulers and add their own little twist: “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself!”

But they don’t understand true kingship. They assume a king rules for his own welfare and benefit. But a true King rules for the benefit of His subjects—even if that means sacrificing His life to save theirs. It’s what a true King does for His people.

Prayer ...
Lord Jesus, my King and my Lord. Thank You for sacrificing Yourself for the benefit of all of us, Your subjects. In Your goodness and love, rule over all my life. Amen.

Lenten Challenge for today …
The woman used costly perfume to anoint Jesus’ feet.  What is valuable in your life today? Time? Money? Relationships?  How can you use these things to honor Jesus?

Hymn ... 

Quiz ... 

1. Click the correct option.

2. Click Submit

3. Scroll up and click View Accuracy to see your result.

4. Have fun while you learn your faith.

Credits:

Thanks to various sites for the ideas .  I have tailored the materials accordingly to suit my needs.

Countdown calendar - https://www.timeanddate.com/clocks/freecountdown.html

Reflections and prayer – https://www.lhm.org/

Luke 23 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQbH-NxjEhY