Because of Him

For many Christian denominations we are entering the Holy Week. Today is Palm Sunday, when Christ triumphantly enters Jerusalem; Friday is Good Friday, when Christ was crucified; and Sunday is Easter Sunday, when Christ was resurrected. We celebrate all of these because of the events that happened a single week in the life of one man – Jesus Christ. His life, and especially the events of that last week, has affected the life of every person that has ever lived or will ever live on this and many other worlds. Because of him the world was created and we are here (John 1:3). Because of him, we will all live again after we die.

On Palm Sunday, Jesus entered Jerusalem riding a donkey. Kings would show power by riding a horse into a conquering city; whereas a King would ride a donkey as a token of peace. Jesus Christ was the Prince of Peace and as such riding a donkey into Jerusalem would represent peace. The people of Jerusalem cut down palm branches and spread them before him and shouted:

“Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.” (Matthew 21:8-9)

What happened to the people between Palm Sunday and Friday when they cried: “crucify him”? (Luke 23:21) Why would many of the same people who would worship him as their messiah turn against him and want him put to death? I would guess it is that most of both crowds had no idea who Jesus was and were just following along with those a few believers and then a few Jewish rulers that hated Jesus. We have all seen the affect a crowd can have on others as they work them into a frenzy everyone just joins in not really knowing what is going on.

Which group would we have been part of? Are we among the believers, those who cried “crucify him”, or are we another group that had no idea what was going on and did not even pay attention to all the fuss? If you have the day off work because of Good Friday or Easter, is it another day off work or do you go to your house of worship and give thanks because of life we celebrate this holy week?

Because of him all sickness and pain will be done away. Because of him, death has no victory and we will live again. Because of him, we can find happiness in this life and in the life to come. Because of him, we can be forgiven and cleansed of our sins. Everything that I am is because of him.

I invite you to come worship with us, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You can find the nearest church by clicking here and putting in your address. Even if you don’t want to worship with us, please go to your church and give thanks of all you have because of him.

Please watch this 1-minute video titled “Because of Him”. Your questions and comments are always welcome.