Check out our new Easter Devotional

Our Blog

Passion Week Daily Reading: Tuesday, April 7

by Marshall Walter on April 07, 2020

THE STONE THAT THE BUILDERS REJECTED

TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2020

The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.
~ Psalm 118:22 ~

Much space is devoted to Tuesday in the narrative which indicates its significance and gives us a glimpse into Christ’s day. Tuesday was a long day for Jesus. He started early with a long walk into Jerusalem from the town of Bethany a couple miles outside the city. Passing the withered fig tree along the path was a reminder of how Israel had rejected him the previous afternoon once they heard his purpose was to come and die. His discussion with the religious leaders at the temple was long and tense, without even considering their intent was to trap him in an error that would both discredit him and allow coverage for them to kill him. His evening was spent in lengthy discussion with the disciples passing on final teachers and then finding a new place to sleep on the Mount of Olives (a move necessitated by the increasing risk to his life from the religious leaders - this made finding Jesus difficult).

Through it all, the glory and brilliance of Christ is displayed. He models compassion. He defends the accurate usage of God’s word. He ties the religious leaders up in their own webs of deception, while condemning their failure to lead God’s people. He mourns over Israel’s rejection of their Messiah while longing to protect and care for them. He exhorts the disciples to remain watchful for his ultimate return, while warning them dangers of not being ready for his second coming. Christ’s work on Tuesday should reinforce our love and admiration of him. Through these events, we see Christ’s masterful orchestration of the events of the week as he enacts the eternal plan of God for the Messiah. God will be glorified through the death of his only son, so that we might experience salvation and new life in him. His work is marvelous in our sight - though Christ’s rejection he has become the very foundation of our salvation. This day, that the Lord has made, is one we should rejoice and be glad it!

Today’s Readings: [212 verses]
          ^Mark 11:20-25
          ^Matthew 21:23-25:46

***Reading Suggestion: Read slowly and thoughtfully. Each day’s reading has been arranged chronologically, which means for some days there are multiple passages (occasionally requiring some flipping back and forth), please read in the order listed to stay on track. I’ve opted for shorter readings to allow more time for thought and reflection. Avoid the urge to just “get the reading done,” but rather take time to consider and contemplate Jesus this week as the reading takes you through what he experienced each day. I pray this will be an encouragement to you which causes you to more fully appreciate our great Savior - may your love, appreciation, and joy in him continue to expand in this Easter season!

***Resource Suggestion: A Harmony of the Gospels, One Perfect Life 

Tags: tuesday, rejection, cornerstone, fig tree, religious leaders

Name:


Previous Page