Wednesday in Holy Week
The Power of Love
Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious
or boastful or arrogant or rude.
- 1 Corinthians 13:4–5
Holy Week began with the story of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem for the final week of his earthly life. Because many of us know the story of his entering the city while riding on a donkey so well, we may fail to realize the shocking nature of such an entrance.
If Caesar, Herod, or a similar Roman official had been entering Jerusalem during the time of Jesus, their entrance would have been markedly different. They would have arrived in an ornate chariot pulled by a large team of mighty horses, surrounded by a grand military presence on foot and on horseback, completely outfitted with the best weapons of their day.
The two different kinds of entrances point to two very different sources of power. Jesus’ entrance is grounded in the power of love, vulnerability, and humility. The Roman officials’ entrance is grounded in the power of force, fear, protection, and control.
As Holy Week unfolds, Jesus consistently demonstrates this alternative form of power. When faced with betrayal in the garden, he meets violence with peace. When questioned about his authority, he speaks of a kingdom built on love rather than force. Even on the cross, he offers words of forgiveness rather than condemnation.
Jesus refuses to let his followers defend him with weapons or violence. This isn’t weakness, but a revelation of love’s true power—the ability to remain faithful even in the face of death. As you reflect on his choices, consider and reflect on your own life right now.
Making it Personal: When are you choosing to act like Jesus did, acting from a place of love, vulnerability, and humility? When are you choosing to act from a place of fear, protection, and control?
Listen To Our Lent Podcast Episodes
We also invite you to listen to the Living Compass Spirituality and Wellness Podcast hosted by Scott Stoner. This is a year-round, weekly podcast; however, during Lent, there will be two new episodes each week to enrich your experience of our Lenten readings on Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit.
You can listen to the podcast on our website by clicking HERE. You can also find this podcast in your favorite podcast listening app (Apple, Google, Spotify, etc.)—just search for Living Compass Spirituality and Wellness