The Week before Easter

Pastor Daniel Lantis shares an inspiring message for Palm Sunday, encouraging believers to embrace the teachings of Jesus Christ during the holy week. He reflects on the events that took place from Palm Sunday to Good Friday, urging followers to understand the significance of Jesus’ actions leading up to His crucifixion and resurrection.

Key Themes:

• The Importance of the Week: Pastor Lantis emphasizes the significance of each day from Palm Sunday to Resurrection Sunday. He invites the congregation to study the Scriptures, reflecting on what happened during each day of the week.

• Jesus’ Mission: Jesus came to offer eternal life, far greater than an earthly kingship. Pastor Lantis encourages people to follow Jesus’ example, restoring their lives to Him.

• Activities of the Week: From Palm Sunday’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem, to the cleansing of the temple on Monday, Jesus demonstrated the importance of following God’s will.

Scripture Passages Mentioned:

1. Matthew 21:1-11 (Palm Sunday)
   Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem where He rides into the city on a donkey, fulfilling the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9.

   “Tell the daughter of Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”
   – Matthew 21:5

2. Mark 11:1-10 (Palm Sunday)
   Mark’s account of Jesus entering Jerusalem, with crowds spreading branches and garments in His path, praising Him as the Messiah.

   “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!”
   – Mark 11:9-10

3. Luke 19:28-44 (Palm Sunday)
   Luke’s version of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, where Jesus weeps over the city for failing to recognize the time of their visitation.

   “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes.”
   – Luke 19:42

4. Matthew 21:12-17 (Monday)
   Jesus cleanses the temple, driving out those who were buying and selling, declaring that God’s house should be a house of prayer, not a den of thieves.

   “It is written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a den of robbers.’”
   – Matthew 21:13

5. Matthew 21:23-27 (Tuesday)
   The religious leaders challenge Jesus’ authority, but He answers with a question about the baptism of John, leaving them unable to answer.

   “John’s baptism—where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or of human origin?”
   – Matthew 21:25

6. Matthew 26:1-5 (Wednesday)
   The plot to betray Jesus begins as the chief priests and elders conspire to arrest Him, but they plan to wait until after the feast to avoid causing an uproar among the people.

   “They were plotting to arrest Jesus in some sly way and kill him.”
   – Matthew 26:4

7. Mark 14:10-11 (Wednesday)
   Judas agrees to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, setting the stage for His eventual arrest.

   “What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?”
   – Matthew 26:15

8. Matthew 26:17-30 (Thursday – The Last Supper)
   Jesus celebrates the Passover with His disciples, instituting the practice of communion. He reveals that one of them will betray Him.

   “Take and eat; this is my body.”
   – Matthew 26:26
   “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”
   – Matthew 26:28

9. John 13:1-17 (Thursday – Washing the Disciples’ Feet)
   Jesus washes His disciples’ feet, demonstrating servant leadership and love. He teaches them that they should serve one another in humility.

   “If I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.”
   – John 13:14

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