Palm Sunday and Holy Week are almost upon us. This Sunday is Palm Sunday, when, as detailed in Matthew 20:9, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the back of a young donkey to palm branches waving and the crowds crying, "Hosanna to the Son of David; Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord."
Just a few days later, many of these same people were shouting for His crucifixion. Public opinion had turned against the Lord and the rest of the week would be somber until Easter morning.
After the triumphal ride into Jerusalem, Jesus went about His usual business of teaching His disciples, all the while knowing what would transpire later in the week.
If you knew your life would end in four or five days, what would you do? Would you go about your normal business, or would you do things differently? I know that I would spend as much time with my family as I could.
Would you gaze upon a beautiful sunrise or sunset one last time while holding hands with your beloved spouse? Undoubtedly, we would all have important things to say to those we love if we knew our lives were ending, and, I can guarantee that the time would fly by.
Jesus imparted new teachings to His disciples during Thursday's Last Supper, so they would be prepared to carry on His ministry.
In the Christian tradition, many churches remember the week of Christ's death with Maundy Thursday services to commemorate Christ's last Passover supper with His disciples and Good Friday services, the day we remember His crucifixion and burial.
Most Crestview churches will have extra services during Holy Week. You can check the paper and see what times these services are offered. Several churches will offer Easter egg hunts for the children, a fun activity in which to participate.
Do you, as a family, have any Palm Sunday and Holy Week traditions?
Do you deliberately turn off the television set and read God's Word as a love offering to the Lord?
Do you reflect on the great gift of love the Lord gave us when He willingly died for our sins?
Janice Lynn Crose, a former accountant, lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Reflecting on Palm Sunday, Holy Week