Passover starts tomorrow. This morning's New York Times reports on the debate in Israel over ways to observe it in our modern society.  There was no such discussion 20 centuries ago when Jesus came to Jerusalem for his last Passover.

That "power" came when the Spirit fell at Pentecost and the Easter faith of the disciples became the mightiest movement in spiritual history.  How did it all happen?  How can it happen today?  Let's address these questions, beginning tomorrow.

Romans 8:35-39

In the Holy Land, today is called "Great Friday"; in Armenia, it is "High Friday"; in Russia, it is known as "Passion Friday."  I like "Good Friday" best, for reasons we'll explore today.  Let's review what happened on this history-changing day.

So let's gather together the events of today's "Maundy Thursday" (named for the Latin translation for the word "mandated").  On this day Jesus washed his disciples' feet and mandated that we serve each other in a similar spirit (John 13:15-16).  Then he instituted the Lord's Supper with his disciples as a remembrance of his sacrifice. 

Today is Silent Wednesday of Holy Week.  On this day Jesus did nothing which the Gospel writers record, staying with his friends and disciples at the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus in Bethany.  The day passed in quiet preparation for the events soon to come.  Let's try to imagine what our Savior was thinking.

If Jesus says that it is right to pay taxes to Caesar, the public will turn from him and his influence will end.  If he says that it is not, he will be a traitor to Rome and the authorities will arrest and execute him.  Either way, his opponents will win.

On Monday of Holy Week, we learn that God wants each of us on his team. 

Imagine that the ship were sinking with you aboard, with no room on the last lifeboat. A father sitting beside his young son sees your despair and dilemma. He tosses his son into the stormy seas so you can have his place. His son dies so you can live. Why would any father do such a thing? On this Good Friday, it's a very good question. In our series of Holy Week questions, it's the best question of all.

Today's newspapers are reporting the Iranian release of its British hostages, as the world breathes a sigh of relief. By contrast, Judas Iscariot helped the authorities take Jesus hostage. "Judas" meant "Yahweh leads." It was an honorable and common name. But who names their son Judas anymore? Why did this man commit the most infamous act of treachery in history?