1. Palm entry : Who is this man ?! The prophecy of Zechariah 9 verse 9 becomes truth: Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, Lowly and riding on a donkey... Matthew 21:121:1-4 Now when they drew near Jerusalem, and came to Bethpage, at the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “ Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me. And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of them,’ and immediately he will send them.” All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet.
Matt 21:821:8-10
And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying:
“Hosanna to the Son of David! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!’ Hosanna in the highest!”
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And when He had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying
, “Who is this?”
Luke 19:3919:39-40 And some of the Pharisees called to Him from the crowd, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.” But He answered and said to them, “I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.”
Do you really know Him?
The New Testament builds us a photo-album of Jesus and His life. He who came to live with us as normal human being. He experienced everything the way we as humans do. He even cried over a friend that passed away. He sincerely loved people, no matter who they were. Jesus gave the outcasts a new chance, a second birth into the Kingdom of God. Jesus performed miracles and healed a lot of people. He used stories to tell people about God and His new life for us. He cares for us like the Good Samaritan even when it cost Him everything... People had another image in their heads of how 2
their Savior should look and because of that, they struggled to understand who Jesus really was. Was the prophet Zechariah correct? What does your picture of Jesus look like – WHO is He to you?
Now do this:
Look at the enlarged ‘I AM’ – declarations displayed. What do you hear when you read it to yourself?
Take a moment and make a palm leaf cross
While you are busy, ask God to join you in the Passover walk. That He will talk to you about the things He always wanted to talk to you about but maybe you never had time for...
Ask in your prayer that He will grant you true love for your fellow citizens.
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2. Jesus’s feetfeet-washingwashing-approach : Jesus himself sets the example. John 13:113:1-9 Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end. And supper being ended, the devil having already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray Him, Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. Himself After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. Then He came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to Him, “Lord, are You washing my feet?” Jesus answered and said to him, “What What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this.” You shall this. Peter said to Him, “You never wash my feet!” feet! Jesus answered him, “If If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” Me. Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!” Think this through:
Jesus washed His disciples’ feet to show them how much He loved them. What do you think you can do to your family to prove how much you love them? For Jesus washing feet wasn’t a slave’s work but a way to show love. An attitude! attitude 4
Do now— now—show your love: Everybody take off their shoes. Dad wash mom’s feet while you say “I love you very much”
Mom wash the family member’s feet next to you while you say “I love you very much”
Wash each others feet until the last one washes dad’s feet and says: “Dad I love you very much”.
Everybody put a finger in the water and touch your forehead with the wet finger and remember that Jesus loves you very, very, very much!!! much
Easter means: Passover fest Jesus gave the sign of washing feet, which means He cleansed them to Pass Over death. Did you allow Jesus to wash your life yet? How sure are you?
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2a. I am— am—declarations: Exodus 3:1-15
I Am Who I AM. The origin of the “I Am” declarations. This is How God reveals Himself to us, but this also serves to deepen the secrecy that surrounds God’s identity.
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2b1. I am— am—declarations: John 6:1-15, 25-63
I am the bread of life Jesus supply bread for physical hunger as well as spiritual hunger.
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2b2. I am— am—declarations: John 9:1-41
I'm light for the world Jesus opens our eyes and gives us perspective on what makes life worth while. 8
2b3. I am— am—declarations: John 10:1-10
I am the gate for the sheep Jesus presents Himself as the only way to everlasting joy and peace
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2b4. I am— am—declarations: John 10:11-18
I am the good shepherd Jesus is the only Leader who freely laid down His life to make us His disciples.
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2b5. I am— am—declarations: John 11:1-44
I am the resurrection, and the life Jesus demonstrates that He overpowered death and How God makes a new beginning through Him.
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2b6. I am— am—declarations: John 14:1-14
I am the way, the truth, and the life Jesus shows us that He is the only way to the Father, and to live in His will.
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2b7. I am— am—declarations: John 15:1-17
I am the vine To be in Jesus, and He is us, is our true identity as Christians, in communion with His Body (the Church) and one another (other believers) in Love.
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3. The garden of Blood sweat – Gethsemane : Luke 22:39 -46 Coming out, He went to the Mount of Olives, as He was accustomed, and His disciples also followed Him. When He came to the place, He said to them, “Pray Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” temptation And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like
great drops of blood falling down to the ground. When He rose up from prayer, and had come to His disciples, He found them sleeping from sorrow. Then He said to them,
“Why do you sleep? Rise and pray, lest you enter into temptation.”
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3b. The garden of Blood sweat Gethsemane : Think about the following: 1.
To sweat blood is possible but only when you are petrified. Only then blood will really come out of your pores.
2.
Jesus knew what was coming. He could’ve snapped His fingers and the angles would have come and obliterated all his enemies. But still He prays that it will be the Father’s will...
3.
How easy is it for us to say the phrase "blood, sweat, and tears," when we do hard work and effort in difficult times. Do we even realize what we say?! Ask Jesus to forgive you for using that phrase so lightly while He had to go through hell, because He loves you.
4.
Are you maybe one of those disciples that sleeps soundly without realizing what’s really happening?
Is it possible for other people to see by your actions
that you belong to Jesus and are busy with His work?
Is it possible for other people to hear in your words that
Jesus called you into a new life and that the old one has passed?
Do you contribute to the
evangelism of Jesus, or are you still asleep?
5.
Xtra: Kneel at the rock and ask the Lord to Let His will happen in your life. 15
6.
Xtra: Look at the angel. Just like Jesus received strength from the angel, will God strengthen you for whatever lies ahead. And if the road gets difficult remember:
Phil 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Acts 1:8 “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Visit here as long as you want to. When you feel ready you can move to the next point. Remember to keep the noise down, here are other people who also wants to be quiet with the Lord
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4. The garden of betrayal – Gethsemane : Matt. 26:1426:14-15 Then one of the twelve, twelve called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?” And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. silver Matt. 26: 47 - 54 And while He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, with a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and elders of the people. Now His betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him.” Immediately he went up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. But Jesus said to him, “Friend Friend, Friend why have you come?” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and took Him. And suddenly, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword, struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. But Jesus said to him, him “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels? How then could the Scriptures be
fulfilled, that it must happen thus?” John 18:11b Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has
given Me?”
Jesus’s focus was clear! The Father’s will to save the world. Remember: Judas was “one of the twelve”, a trusted member...
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4b. Die Tuin van Verraad Getsémané: Do the following: 1.
Judas betrayed Jesus. What do you think Judas felt when he had to look Jesus in the eye just before he greeted Jesus with a kiss on the cheek? What do you think he went through inside? 2.
Being asleep shows you don’t understand
what is important to Jesus. Thus you contribute to the damage being done to those things that are important to Jesus, just because you are “too tired” while His church is suffering and people are getting eternally lost. (Ephesians
4:12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ) 3.
Stand in front of the white polystyrene hand so that the finger points at you. Think about:
Did you betray the Lord by being disobedient and
ashamed? Confess it now in honesty before God and ask His forgiveness.
Or are you like Peter who wants to be strong in him-
self and do “what God should do” according to you – and are you in that way another obstacle for Jesus? Jesus
Who did you hurt, betray, gossip about, disappoint, “drop”? Go and make it right…
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5. A Rooster and a Campfire : Luke 22:31-34 And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” But he said to Him, “Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death.” Then He said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster shall not crow this day before you will deny three times that you know Me.” Luke 22:54-62 Having arrested Him, they led Him and brought Him into the high priest’s house. But Peter followed at a distance. Now when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat among them. And a certain servant girl, seeing him as he sat by the fire, looked intently at him and said, “This man was also with Him.” But he denied Him, saying, “Woman, I do not know Him.” And after a little while another saw him and said, “You also are of them.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not!” Then after about an hour had passed, another confidently affirmed, saying, “Surely this fellow also was with Him, for he is a Galilean.” But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are saying!” Immediately, while he was still speaking, 19
the rooster crowed. crowed And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter
remembered ....” So Peter went out and wept bitterly. bitterly
5b. A Rooster and a Campfire : 1.
What do you think Peter felt when the rooster crowed and especially when Jesus looked at him?
2. Why do some churches have a rooster on their towers? To show which way the wind is blowing? No, it’s to remind us we can do the same as Peter… 3. Did you ever act as if you don’t know Jesus? Can you remember why you did that? Listen to the rooster crowing for you… 4. We are sometimes so conceited and we have to come down to earth before Jesus can use us. How much of Peter is there in you?
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5. Remember that Jesus steps in for you and that He loves you! He gave us His Holy Spirit to live within us and to guide us step by step not to live like the “old Peter” anymore, He wants us to live according to His will and bear the fruit of the Spirit.
Visit here as long as you want to. When you feel ready you can move to the next point. Remember to keep the noise down, here are other people who also wants to be quiet with the Lord
6. Prejudice kills. Matt 26:5926:59-68 Now the chief priests, the elders, and all the council sought false testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but found none. Even though many false witnesses came forward, they found none. none But at last two false witnesses came forward and said, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to build it in three days.’” And the high priest arose and said to Him, “Do You answer nothing? What is it these men testify against You?” But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest answered and said to Him, “II put You un21
der oath by the living God: God Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God!” God! Jesus said to him, “It is as you said. Nevertheless, I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Then the high priest tore his clothes, saying, “He has spoken blasphemy! What further need do we have of witnesses? Look, now you have heard His blasphemy! What do you think?” They answered and said, “He He is deserving of death.” death Then they spat in His face and beat Him; and others struck Him with the palms of their hands, saying, “Prophesy to us, Christ! Who is the one who struck You?” Isaiah 53:553:5-6 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
Do now: 1.
Do you think the Jewish Council, who were leaders back then, acted towards Jesus with fairness or prejudice? dice
2.
Were there times in your life when you judged people in your heart before you really looked at their side of the story? Confess it before the Lord. Lord
3.
Have you ever treated people from other countries, race or skin-colour unkind and inhuman? Confess it to
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Jesus… (Matt 25:40b ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch
as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’) 4.
Are our traditions, culture, political views more important to us than God’s will to be His peace makers? makers Do you sow peace or hatred? Jy kan hier kuier so lank as wat jy wil. Wanneer Visit here as long as you want to. When you feel ready you can move to the next point. Remember to keep the noise down, here are other people who also wants to be quiet with the Lord
6b. Arise against Injustice. Matt 27:1127:11-14 Jesus said to him, “It is as you say.” And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He answered nothing. Then Pilate said to Him, “Do You not hear how many things they testify against You?” Matt 27:19 While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, “Have nothing to do with that just Man, for I have suffered many things today in a dream because of Him.”
Luke 23:4
So Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowd, “II find no fault in this Man.” Man
Luke 23:13-16 Then Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests, the rulers, and the people, said to them, “You have brought this Man to me, as one who misleads the people. And indeed, having examined Him in your presence, I have found no fault in this Man concerning those things of which you accuse Him; ...and and indeed nothing deserving of death has been done by Him.
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Luke
23:20-22 Pilate, therefore, wishing to release Jesus, again called out to them. But they shouted, saying, “Crucify Crucify Him, crucify Him!” Then he said to them the third time, “Why, what evil has He done? I have found no reason for death in Him. Him I will therefore chastise Him.” Matt 27:22-24 Pilate said to them, “What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said to him, “Let Let Him be crucified!” crucified Then the governor said, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they cried out all the more, saying, “Let Him be crucified!” crucified When Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but rather that a tumult was rising, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, “II am innocent of the blood of this just Person. You see to it.”
Do now: 1.
Do you think Pilate was innocent? He knew Jesus was innocent, but he chose to do nothing! Are there times you know what the right thing is to do, but choose not to, because…?
2.
If you don’t choose it doesn’t mean you are innocent. It means you did choose. So, choose now. now
3.
Did family members or friends give you good advice but you chose not to listen and did your own thing anyway?
4.
Stand in front of the mirror. mirror Wash your hands in the basin. Confess to God what you are sad about. Wash it off and become free to choose again. again
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When you are ready, move on to the next station.
6c. Arise against injustice: By turning a blind eye to the injustice done to people around us, as well as the immeasurable effect on people world wide, we partake in spitting on Jesus, hitting Him in the face. If we know of women and children being abused, raped, violated, and we do nothing about it “because we do not want to become involved”, we actually condone these acts. No amount of washing his hands, could excuse Pontius from the execution of Jesus. By not choosing, he actually choose against Jesus. We continue ‘washing hands” if we do not oppose corruption, violence, murder, falseness, swearing at people, injustice,...
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Do now: 1.
Thank Jesus for taking “the punch”, in order to make you His Child.
2.
Think about the ways we hurt other people by what we say or do. Confess it to Him.
3.
Confess that you let things slide past you that you know is not right and thus add to the injustice done to Jesus (Mat 25:40 - 'I'm telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me--you did it to me.'
4.
Take the whip and hit the back of the dummy ... and by doing so confess your stake in letting wrong slide—give this attitude to Jesus so that He can take it away from you.
5.
Take the stick and hit the word “INJUSTICE” to show that you have made a clear choice to fight injustice from this day forward. No hit, no choice. choice No choice, is choosing to let injustice prevail and to condone it. it
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7. Involved with(out) force: Mat 27:3127:31-32 When they had had their fun, they took off the toga and put his own clothes back on him. Then they proceeded out to the crucifixion. Along the way they came on a man from Cyrene named Simon and made him carry
Jesus' cross. cross Luc 23:26 As they led Him off, they made Simon, a man from Cyrene who happened to be coming in from the countryside, carry the cross behind Jesus. Jesus Mat 27:3327:33-38
Arriving at Golgotha, the place they call "Skull Hill," (dump site for what people did not want) they offered him a mild painkiller (a mixture of wine and myrrh), but when he tasted it he wouldn't drink it (It’s like He chose to sit live at the dentist drilling into your teeth!). After they had finished nailing him to the cross and were waiting for him to die, they whiled away the time by throwing dice for his clothes. Above his head they had posted the criminal charge against him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS. (INRI) Along with him, they also crucified two criminals, one to his right, the other to his left. (“Doctor” Jesus hanging between two very “sick” people)
Luc 5:315:31-32 Jesus ... spoke up, "Who needs a doctor: the healthy or the sick? I'm here inviting outsiders, outsiders not insiders-an invitation to a changed life, changed inside and out." (Message Translation)
Luc 5:32 I've come to call sinners to change the way they think and act, not to call people who think they have God's approval." (God’s Word Translation) 27
7b. Do this now: 1.
Simon came from a large city in Libya, called Cirene. He saved for a long time to be able to have the journey of a life time: Passover in Jerusalem. No bad road or robber could deter him. With his biggest dream realized, he was preparing himself for the Passover. Few other achievements could be more satisfying! Can you imagine what he felt as the hated Roman oppressor grabbed him and forced him to bear the cross of a blood soaked man all the way to the dump site outside Jerusalem?!
2.
When Simon learned Whose cross he carried unwittingly, do you think it changed how he felt about the Passover in Jerusalem?
3.
Would you have liked to be the bearer of Jesus’ cross. cross Well, what’s keeping you? Take up the cross and carry it—and it by doing so you demonstrate that you made the choice to do what Jesus asks you to.
4.
At the end of the passage is a white cross. Take the charcoal and write your name on it. This symbolizes your willingness to follow Jesus as His disciple.
You can stay here as long as you need to. Then move on to the next Passover 28 challenge.
8.Skull Hill: Rejection or Rejuvenation?!: 15:24--26 And they nailed him to the cross. Mark 15:24 They divided up his clothes and threw dice to see who would get them. They nailed him up at nine o'clock in the morning. The charge against him --THE KING OF THE JEWS--was printed on a poster. (INRI = Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum )
23:33--34 When they got to Luc 23:33 the place called Skull Hill, they crucified him, along with the criminals, one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus prayed, "Father, forgive them; they don't know what they're doing." Isaiah 53:553:5-8 He was wounded for our rebellious acts. He was crushed for our sins. He was punished so that we could have peace, and we received healing from his wounds. wounds (6) We have all strayed like sheep. Each one of us has turned to go his own way, and the LORD has laid all our sins on him. (7) He was abused and punished, punished but he didn't open his mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. slaughter He was like a sheep that is silent when its wool is cut off. He didn't open his mouth. mouth (8) He was arrested, arrested taken away, away and judged. judged Who would have thought that he would be removed from the world? world He was killed because of my people's rebellion.
Luc 23:35 - The people stood there watching. But the rulers were making sarcastic remarks. They said, "He saved others. If 29
he's the Messiah that God has chosen, let him save himself!" Stay as long as you need. Remember to take other into account if they need to be quiet and spend time with the Lord. Then move on.
Do now: The cross was in the centre. Even on the cross Jesus did not cease to fulfil His mission to save man. So He saved one of the criminals on the cross... cross
Is Jesus central to you?! He is reaching out to you also? also ? 1.
Ponder on this: The nails of the cross should remind you of those being crucified by military oppression, political discrimination, disrespect for life, maltreatment, etc.
2.
It also reminds us that our loveless words or deeds, are as good as driving a nail into my neighbor—and in so far as we do that, we do it to Jesus. Jesus
3.
Take a piece of paper and write on it the things you do that drive nails into other people, and doing so, into Jesus. Confess it to Jesus.
4.
OR write on a piece of paper what somebody else has done against you, something that stole your joy, disrupted your life, took away your life’s energy, causes you pain...
5.
Tear the piece of paper into shreds and throw it into the fire at the cross. Watch it burn to ashes. Know that the Lord forgives you and takes the bad things away. He will heal you.
6.
Take a nail and drive it into the cross to symbolize your
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stake in Jesus’ suffering. It also reminds you of the suffering of others in this world and that Jesus will heal the wounds you received at the hand of somebody else, as well as those you caused to someone. 7.
Remind yourself that Jesus took all the sin onto His cross, to pay for it with His life!
9. Abandoned by God and man: Matthew 27:46 Around mid-afternoon Jesus groaned out of the depths, crying loudly, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" which means, "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?"
Isaiah 53:353:3-5 He was looked down on and passed over, a man who suffered, who knew pain firsthand. One look at him and people turned away. We looked down on him, thought he was scum. But the fact is, it was our pains he carried-- our disfigurements, all the things wrong with us. We thought he brought it on himself, that God was punishing him for his own failures. But it was our sins that did that to him, that ripped and tore and crushed him--our sins! He took the punishment, and that made us whole. Through his bruises we get healed.
Something to think about: Jesus knew what it’s like to be with God. Yet He choose to experienced the utmost, unspeakable abandonment of God, so that you and I would never have to experience it. Even His disciples abandoned Him... There are so many abandoned, lonely people in this world. Emotionally, physically and socially deprived. Do you know some of them? Are you part of them? How do you treat such a person? Do you avoid them?
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Our modern day families tend to live in greater isolation than ever before. Staying under the same roof, does not mean you are not isolated, lonely, in need of affection. You can be lonely, though married or being part of a large family. What about people in your group of friends, your colleagues at work? What would Jesus have done in such circumstances...?
9 (i). It is done...complete A point of last choice. Luke 23:35 The people stood there staring at Jesus, and the ringleaders made faces, taunting, "He saved others. Let's see him save himself! The Messiah of God--ha! The Chosen-ha!" Luke 23:39 One of the criminals hanging alongside cursed him: "Some Messiah you are! Save yourself! Save us!" Luke 23:47 When the captain there saw what happened, he honored God: "This man was innocent! Funny how blind the world can be, how the world turns it’s back on the One Who can make the difference. A good man, and innocent!" John 19:28,30 Jesus, seeing that everything had been completed so that the Scripture record might also be complete, The Gospel is sometimes heard at the strangest places and through the weirdest of “preachers”. Take for instance this Roman Captain—hard, cruel, realistic He could “see” more than the “people of God”. Is the church today still blind to the real Christ?
then said, "I'm thirsty." ... After He took the wine, Jesus said, 32
"It's done . . . complete." Bowing his head, he offered up his spirit.
Do this now: 1.
.Pray for your community (and church members?) who still resist and reject Jesus.
2.
You also have to make a choice. No one can cross paths with the Cross of Jesus, without making a deliberate choice. What do you choose today...?
3.
Please partake in the activities of the world map. Draw a name from the holder. See which country you draw. Take a pin, pierce the name and then pin it on the world map where that country is located. (You can find the location of the country in the index of the book: Operation world). Then pray for the people of that country to accept Jesus and to be peacemakers.
You can choose! John 15:13 No one shows greater love than when he lays down his life for his friends. (ISV) John 6:47 Truly, truly I tell you, the one who believes in me has eternal life. (ISV) 1John 5:12 So, whoever has the Son, has life; whoever rejects the Son, rejects life.
You can stay here as long as you need to. Then move on to the next Passover challenge. 33
10. The grave: Disillusionment or Reason for Hope?! John 19:31-41 Then the Jews, since it was the day of Sabbath preparation, and so the bodies wouldn't stay on the crosses over the Sabbath (it was a high holy day that year), petitioned Pilate that their legs be broken to speed death, and the bodies taken down. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man crucified with Jesus, and then the other. When they got to Jesus, they saw that He was already dead, dead so they didn't break his legs. One of the soldiers stabbed him in the side with his spear. Blood and water gushed out. The eyewitness to these things has presented an accurate report. He saw it himself and is telling the truth so that you, also, will believe. believe These things that happened confirmed the Scripture, "Not a bone in his body was broken," and the other Scripture that reads, "They will stare at the one they pierced." After all this, Joseph of Arimathea (he was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, because he was intimidated by the Jews) petitioned Pilate to take the body of Jesus. ... There was a garden near the place he was crucified, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been placed.
Ponder a while on this: What went on in the minds and hearts of the disciples and other believers? All their dreams and hopes were destroyed. Jesus, the greatest Teacher of all times, was dead. They would spend the whole Sabbath disillusioned, in moaning, feelings in a turmoil... 34
Where is the Shepherd of Psalm 23 now? GOD, my shepherd! I don't need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I'm not afraid when you walk at my side...
Stay as long as you need. Then move on quietly.
10b. The grave: Disillusionment or Reason for Hope?! To ponder on: 1.
No one took the life of Jesus. He layed it down out of His own free will. Luke 23:4423:44-48 By now it was noon. The whole earth became dark, the darkness lasting three hours-- a total blackout. The Temple curtain split right down the middle. dle Jesus called loudly, "Father, I place my life in your hands!" Then he breathed his last. last When the captain there saw what happened, he honored God: God "This man was innocent! A good man, and innocent!" All who had come around as spectators to watch the show, when they saw what actually happened, were overcome with grief and headed home. 35
2.
The display of Nature and at the Cross left the people puzzled, with the burning question: Who is this Man, This Jesus? Could He be the Messiah, the Son of God? Did they participate in killing the Messiah?
Do this now: 1.
Walk through the grave while taking 3x deep, slow breaths. Relax totally. Focus on Jesus.
2.
Thank the Lord in a prayer that the Biblical prophecies were fulfilled in Jesus. Thank Jesus that we can know He really was the Savior, the true Son of the living God.
3.
Thank Jesus that He guarantees your free passage through the grave to everlasting life.
4.
In history the Passover days were celebrated as follows: Dark Friday: Friday Crucifixion and death of Jesus. Silent Saturday: Holding the breath and having a night watch—will Jesus really conquer death
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10c. An open grave...New Hope! Luke 24:124:1-8
At the crack of dawn on Sunday, the women
came to the tomb carrying the burial spices they had prepared. They found the entrance stone rolled back from the tomb, so they walked in. But once inside, they couldn't find the body of the Master Jesus. They were puzzled, wondering what to make of this. Then, out of nowhere it seemed, two men, light cascading over them, stood there. The women were awestruck and b o w e d
d o w n
i n
w o r s h i p .
The men said, "Why are you looking for the Living One
in a cemetery? He is not here, but raised up. Remember how he told you when you were still back in Galilee that he had to be handed over to sinners, be killed on a cross, and in three days rise up?" Then they remembered Jesus' words.
Food for thought: Jesus’ grave had a body in it for the duration of the Sabbath, the day of rest. The stone was the protector and the inhibitor, protecting the body and inhibiting it from social interaction. Once removed, the stumbling stone to faith disappeared. With the stone gone, new hope sets in! 37
Do this: 1.
Look back at the grave and see the stone rolled away. The grave could not hold onto Jesus anymore. Thank Jesus now for rolling the stone from your grave away for eternity.
2.
Light your candle at the large burning candle which represents Jesus as the Light for the world. Notice how the dark moves further away with every candle of your family lighting up! Is this also true of the way your family lives every day?
3.
Follow the spoor in the light of the candle— beware the stumbling blocks. Place your candle in the Minora (=symbol of the church) in the Prayer room. Your candle represents your spiritual gifts.
You can stay here as long as you need to. Then move on to the next Passover challenge.
11. Renewal and New Possibilities: Luk 24:8-10 Then they remembered Jesus' words. (9) They left the tomb and broke the news of all this to the Eleven and the rest. (10) Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them kept telling these things to the apostles. But the apostles didn't believe a word of it, thought they were making it all up. (12) But Peter jumped to his feet and ran to the tomb. He stooped to look in and saw a few grave clothes, that's all. He walked away puzzled, shaking his head. (Luk 24:11-12 )
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To believe in Jesus, is to gather strength by PRAYER. Prayer gives you wings and lifts you high above earthly troubles and snares. Matthew 18:1918:19-20 When two of you get together on anything at all on earth and make a prayer of it, my Father in heaven goes into action. And when two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I'll be there."
Do you only believe something if you can understand it? If it makes sense? To believe is to trust Jesus unconditionally. ally Believing in Jesus, results in the ROCK being rolled away from your eternal grave, so that you can step into the garden of Renewal, the garden of New possibilities, of New Life!
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Do it: 1.
Take turns to stand between the wings. God gives new wings of prayer to lift you past worldly problems of hurt, evil, suffering... Jesus will renew you!
2.
Tell Jesus whether you are ready to let Him steer your life from this moment forward....
3.
Walk in Peter’s steps of reinstatement by Jesus Himself. Join Thomas as Jesus turns his disbelief into a declaration of faith.
4.
Kneel at the “Blessing hands” hands to receive the blessing of Aaron according to Numbers 6:23-26
You can stay here as long as you need to. Then move on to the next Passover challenge.
11b. Confirmation of Thomas: John 20:19 etc Later on that day, the disciples had gathered together, but, fearful of the Jews, had locked all the doors in the house. Jesus entered, stood among them, and said, "Peace to you." But Thomas, Thomas sometimes called the Twin, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples told him, "We saw the Master." But he said, "Unless I see the nail holes in his hands, put my finger in the nail holes, and 40
stick my hand in his side, I won't believe it." Eight days later, his disciples were again in the room. This time Thomas was with them. Jesus came through the locked doors, doors stood among them, and said, "Peace to you." Then He focused his attention on Thomas. "Take your finger and examine my hands. Take your hand and stick it in my side. Don't be unbelieving. Believe." Thomas said, "My My Master! My God!" (29) Jesus said, "So, you believe because you've seen with your own eyes. Even better blessings are in store for those who believe without seeing."
For Jesus nobody is a write-off, not Thomas and not Peter. He reached out to them and removed the stumbling block hindering their spiritual growth. He also want to do it for you. Will you allow Him to do so this Easter?
11c. Reinstatement of Peter: John 21:1421:14-19 This was now the third time Jesus had shown himself alive to the disciples since being raised from the dead. After breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" "Yes, Master, you know I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." He then asked a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" "Yes, Master, you know I love you." Jesus 41
said, "Shepherd my sheep." Then he said it a third time: "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was upset that he asked for the third time, "Do you love me?" so he answered, "Master, you know everything there is to know. You've got to know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep. .... And then He commanded,
"Follow me." 12. Garden of everlasting joy: The new life started! The 2nd chance. We are past the grave and now in the garden of new possibilities, chances, life...
Jesus have risen. Jesus is alive! 1Corinthians 15:54b15:54b-57 Then the saying will come true: Death swallowed by triumphant Life! Who got the last word, oh, Death? Oh, Death, who's afraid of you now? It was sin that made death so frightening and law-code guilt that gave sin its leverage, its destructive power. But now in a single victorious stroke of Life, all three--sin, guilt, death--are gone, the gift of our Master, Jesus Christ. Thank God! 2Corinthians 4:14 And what we believe is that the One who raised up the Master Jesus will just as certainly raise us up with you, alive.
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And what if Jesus was still in His grave ? The we have no salvation... Because Jesus lives, therefore we will also live
Do this: 1.
Remember: Remember Jesus ALREADY gave you new life. From now on you must be “Jesus-in-the-flesh” towards others.
2.
Be a blessing to the world, as Abraham was: Genesis 12:2b12:2b-3 I’ll... bless you. I'll make you famous; you'll be a blessing. I'll bless those who bless you; those who curse you I'll curse. All the families of the Earth will be blessed through you."
3.
Go to one of the tables for the communion. Decide as a family which style you prefer:
Gazebo: The family sits at low tables as was the custom in Biblical times.
Class rooms: The family sits at normal tables. 3.
Follow the instructions at the table. May you be blessed with a deepened experience of the Living Lord during this communion.
4.
Visit the hall afterwards. Spend some time with other believers, have something to eat and drink, buy something at the gift table and if you feel like it, bless us with a donation for 2015’s Passover....
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12b. The last Communion: Jesus told us how it should be done. The apostle Paul declares in 1Co 11:23-26: 1Co 11:23-26 Let me go over with you again exactly what goes on in the Lord's Supper and why it is so centrally important. I received my instructions from the Master himself and passed them on to you. The Master, Jesus, on the night of his betrayal, took bread. (24) Having given thanks, he broke it and said, This is my body, broken for you. Do this to remember me. (25) After supper, he did the same thing with the cup: This cup is my blood, my new covenant with you. Each time you drink this cup, remember me. (26) What you must solemnly realize is that every time you eat this bread and every time you drink this cup, you reenact in your words and actions the death of the Master. You will be drawn back to this meal again and again until the Master returns. You must never let familiarity breed contempt.
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Before we continue, what does the Bible say?: The Bible tells us that God loves us. us We see that love in Jesus, Who gave His life to set us free from sin. He paid the ultimate price at Golgotha . Jesus Himself introduced the disciples to what we call the holy communion and told them to use it regularly. regularly Do you know why? The communion reminds us what Jesus has done on our behalves. We use bread to remember the pain and suffering of Jesus. We use w i n e / s a p t o remember that His blood flowed and that His blood was shed to wash away our sins . We are reminded that we are the family of Christ and we will be with Him in heaven, one day. day This is His promise to us, and Jesus NEVER breaks His promises. We use the communion with joy, joy because Jesus gives us a radical “make-over�. He gives us new life, and this life is ever lasting. By using the communion, we choose to be a disciple of Jesus. We choose to be more and more like Jesus. This is also a time to thank the Lord for what He has done. He ALREADY gives us everlasting life, ALTHOUGH we do not fully have it yet as long as we are earth bound...
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12c. Joyous New Communion: Fathers read it out aloud: aloud Luke 22:14-23 When it was time, he sat down, all the apostles with him, and said, "You've no idea how much I have looked forward to eating this Passover meal with you before I enter my time of suffering. It's the last one I'll eat until we all eat it together in the kingdom of God." ... Taking bread, He blessed it, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is My body, given for you. Eat it in My memory." He did the same with the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new coven
a
n
written in My blood, blood poured out for you.
Now you are ready for the New Communion with Jesus and one another..
Do you know what the answer is to the question asked at the first station?
Who is this? (this Man— Man—Jesus)?
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t
Fathers see to the following: 1.
Pray the Our Father as a family out loud: Mat 6:9b-13 Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. (13) And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
2.
The head of the family (father) says out loud: When we eat the bread and drink the wine / sap, we remember that Jesus died on the cross in order to take away the sins of all who believe in Him. He loves us VERY much..
3.
Taking the piece of bread, the head of the family breaks off a portion for each family member (including the children). It is handed over with the words: “This is for YOU!”
4.
Taking the wine / sap, the head of the family present it to every family member with the word: “He did it for YOU!”
5.
Ponder a while on what you’ve learned while walking along the Passover stations. Say thank you to Jesus for what He has done for you and your family. Stay as long as you need to. Then quietly move on to the hall and enjoy the company of other believers. Be sensitive—if somebody needs to be alone, let them be... 47