top of page

One Week to Live?



Have you ever contemplated what you would do if you knew you had just one week left to live?  It may sound rather morbid.  However as we enter this week, the thought struck my mind: What would I do if I knew that in one week I would die?


Many of us went to worship yesterday and celebrated Palm Sunday, the day when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey and the crowds shouted “Hosanna” as they laid their cloaks and palm branches on the road.   Palm Sunday signifies the beginning of what many call Passion Week, Jesus’ last week of life on earth.   

 

What did Jesus do the week before He knew He would suffer the worst kind of death, crucifixion?


What would you spend your time doing if you knew that in less than a week you would face an excruciating death?


If I were to be truthful, I would turn inward and spend time with my closest friends and family. It would be all about me and my comfort.  Honestly, the older I grow, the more I crave ease and comfort. 

 

What did Jesus do?  As I examined His words and actions during Passion week, I was personally challenged by the following:


  • He consistently confronted the religious leaders.  He put Himself around those who hated Him. 

  • He never stopped speaking the truth.  

  • He continued to teach through parables.  

  • He reminded His followers that He would come again.  

  • He reassured His followers He was going to prepare a place for them.  

  • He washed His disciples’ feet and celebrated Passover with them.

  • He accepted the fact that one of His followers would betray Him.  

  • He went to a garden to pray to seek His Father’s help.  


Many of His most challenging teachings came during Passion week:


  • Die to ourselves and serve others.  John 12:24-26

  • Love the Lord you God with all your heart, all your soul and all your mind.  Matthew 22:37

  • Love one another.  This is how others will know we are His.  John 13:34-35

  • He alone is the way, the truth and the life and that no one comes to the Father except through Him.  John 14:6

  • Obedience is a sign of love for Him.  John 14:15

  • The Holy Spirit is our Helper and will teach us.  John 14:26

  • Abide in Him and He will produce fruit in our lives.  John 15:4-5

  • My heart does not have to live in fear.  Peace is mine.  John 14:27


The above is not a complete list. However, as I read through what Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John said about Jesus’ last week, I was convicted. 


Jesus knew what awaited Him.  He knew suffering was in front of Him.  Yet, He never quit joining His Father in the work of advancing the Kingdom. He lived every day to the fullest and in obedience to His Father.


As I approach this week, I pray that I might line my life up with His plans and purposes.  I pray that as I grow older I will choose obedience over comfort.  May I always be about my Father’s business…..and not my own.


The truth is we never know when our last week of life will be….only He knows.  How will we live today?



 
 
 
bottom of page