While reading John’s Gospel in preparation for our April Family Prayer Day at Appalachian House of Prayer here in Boone, NC, I was taken by how much was shared by Jesus with the Disciples (and others) in the few short days between His triumphal entry into Jerusalem and His death on the cross.

I had the sense that Jesus, the only one who knew what was coming as He looked toward the cross, tried to pack as much knowledge and encouragement into them – and us – as He could.

Jerusalem was crowded with pilgrims from many places who had gathered to celebrate the Passover. More ears to hear and eyes to see than usual.

In my NKJV Bible, there are more than 20 sub-headings/subjects between Jesus’ triumphal entry starting in John 12:12 and when He and the Disciples depart the Upper Room for the garden at the beginning of chapter 18. SELAH!

At Family Prayer Day, April 13th, we, too, will be looking toward the cross. I invite you to join us in the coming days to reflect on all Jesus had on His heart.

1. Adults and children lined the street, threw down their jackets, waved palm fronds and shouted, “HOSANNA! Oh, Lord, save us!” Do you think He might have smiled just a little as He knew that was what He was about to do?
2. Jesus continued to tell parables. Now, they are about dying and living.
3. Jesus points to the Father who has sent Him to bring “Light” into the world to deliver people from the darkness of sin, doubt and unbelief.
4. Jesus demonstrates an enduring pattern of humility for servant leadership.
5. Jesus also addresses faithfulness and betrayal.
6. In just hours before His sacrificial love gift of death, Jesus gives His greatest commandment.
7. The path to eternal life…in the process of being secured…is spelled out with certainty and NO ONE comes…except…
8. Oh, but what awaits those who do! Fellowship with the Father and answered prayers!
9. Not only that but another gift – the Holy Spirit!
10. Assurance of His indwelling spirit for those who love and keep His commandments
11. Peace is spoken/given on the “before” side of the cross – to get us “through” everything which would disturb it and trouble our hearts.
12. The fruitlessness of self-reliance and the abundance of abiding.
13. The connection of love and joy…loving Jesus and loving each other.
14. The knowledge of the price of being “witness bearers” of Jesus is another parting gift of Jesus. Knowing He was leaving, He continued to prepare them for what was to come.
15. Jesus assures that weeping will turn to joy.
16. The command to ask in order to receive is tied to the joy that comes with answered prayer.
17. Jesus tells the Disciples that peace is found “in Him” and, thereby, they become overcomers with Him of all that is of this world.
18. Jesus prays to His Father for Himself – it’s “glorious!” All to God’s glory.
19. Jesus prays for His Disciples – that Father God keep them safe from the evil one and that they be sanctified by the truth.
20. THEN, Jesus prays for us – for all who will come to believe by the Spirit-inspired Word shared by generations of followers of Christ – that we should be with Him and behold His glory! Amen, so be it!

HAPPY EASTER! Or, as Pastor Bill would prefer, RESURRECTION DAY BLESSINGS! With love,

Mary