Holy Tuesday – Plan One: Challenge His Deity

The significance of Holy Tuesday is not easily grasped. In a single day, Jesus would simultaneously condemn the religious authorities while confirming His deity.

“I will fill the descendants of David and the other people of Jerusalem with the spirit of mercy and the spirit of prayer. They will look at the one whom they stabbed to death, and they will mourn for him like those who mourn for an only child. They will mourn bitterly, like those who have lost their first-born son. At that time the mourning in Jerusalem will be as great as the mourning for Hadad Rimmon in the plain of Megiddo.” Zechariah 12:10-11 [GNT]

Holy Tuesday – Plan Two: Discredit His Power
On Holy Tuesday, the conspiracies to trap Jesus escalated. Israel’s religious leaders had one goal: to get rid of Jesus of Nazareth. If this meant cooperating with a lifelong enemy, any means would be justified. So the Pharisees—who opposed Rome and its intrusion on the Jewish way of life—and the Herodians, supporters of Herod the Great, joined forces. Even the Sadducees—religious liberals who denied a resurrection, angels, or spirits—attempted to discredit Jesus.

Holy Tuesday – Plan Three: Be Prepared
How painful that Holy Tuesday must have been to cause Jesus to utter His final lament over the city of Jerusalem. Even before His crucifixion, Jesus’ heart would be pierced by Israel’s lack of faith. Their failure to recognize His deity left the people unprepared.

A Thought to Remember
No pain-no palm-no thorns-no throne-no gall-no glory-no cross-no crown. –William Penn

My Response
Precious Savior, may I never deny who you are, yet I know I have. Cleanse me, free me from fear when others attack my faith. Strengthen me to withstand naysayers, and instill in me the wisdom to speak and the grace to speak with love. AMEN.