Stand Out Scriptures from Holy Week

This year I did something a little different to prepare spiritually for Easter. Each day of “Holy Week,” I read one chapter from the book of John and focused on the “stand out scriptures.”

The Mission

I had just finished reading through one of the books of the Bible and was about to begin a new one. I wasn’t sure where I wanted to go, so I prayed about it.

The next thing I knew, the Lord had led me to the end of the book of John. I found the resurrection story and worked backwards, counting a chapter for each day. It could not have worked out more perfectly!

Although there were MANY verses that spoke to me and stood out, I really tried to narrow it down to one each day. This would allow me to focus a little more on the applications to my life.

Saturday – John 12:24,27

“Truly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains by itself. But if it dies, it produces much fruit.” John 12:24

“Now my soul is troubled. What should I say—Father, save me from this hour? But that is why I came to this hour.” John 12:27

These stand out scriptures are the words of Christ.

• By His death, many people have been given life! (This is the best news ever!)
• His death on the cross was the plan from the beginning, even before He was born in the manger.
• I shared in The Best Easter Songs for Worship the song, “Mary Did You Know?” It is typically sung at Christmas, but it is so relevant to Easter as well.
• Easter was the plan – Christmas was the way to get there!

Sunday – John 13:3-5

“Jesus knew that the Father had given everything into his hands, that he had come from God, and that he was going back to God. ⁴ So he got up from supper, laid aside his outer clothing, took a towel, and tied it around himself. ⁵ Next, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet and to dry them with the towel tied around him.”
John 13:3-5

Jesus knew Who He was and His identity. He didn’t have to prove anything, so He was able to love whole-heartedly.

• When we know who we are in Christ, we don’t have to prove ourselves to anyone else.
• We can love like Jesus taught us to love by His example.

Monday – John 14:1, 27

“Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me.” John 14:1

 “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful.” John 14:27

• Did you catch the little word at the beginning of the verse, “let?”
  • It is a choice. Don’t “let” your heart be troubled.
  • However, it is not something we can do on our own.
• “Believe in God, and believe also in Me.” tells us how to make the choice.

I love that the chapter (v.1) starts out telling us not to be troubled, and it ends (v.27) that way as well.

• He must have really wanted the disciples (and us) to get the message.
• He wants us to have His peace.
• We can rely on His peace in all situations.

Tuesday – John 15:13

“No one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13

How fitting and timely to read this verse this very week!

• These are the very words of Christ just days before He would literally lay His life down for all of us!
• He calls us His friend.
• This is true love.

Wednesday – John 16:20

“Truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn, but the world will rejoice. You will become sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn to joy.” John 16:20

• They would weep and mourn at His death.
• Their sorrow would turn to joy at His resurrection.

• He wanted them to know what would happen ahead of time so they knew what to expect.
• We handle things better when we know what to expect.
• Even in our sorrow and pain, He gives us joy.

Thursday – John 17:20

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in Me through their message,” John 17:20

• Because the disciples shared their testimony (their word), we have believed.
• It is humbling to think that with all Christ was facing, He prayed for us.

Friday – John 18:14

“Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it would be better for one man to die for the people.” John 18:14

• Caiaphas had no idea how true his statement was, although he meant it in a selfish way.
• The truth is that one Man did die for all the people.
• Jesus died so that all of us could live.

Saturday – John 19:30

“When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, ‘It is finished.’ Then bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.” John 19:30

This scripture is amazing when you look at the details and the history of the word! The first time I heard this, Josh Howerton shared it on social media. Since then, I have done some research. Amazing!

The phrase “It is finished” in the Greek is Tetelestai. It has 3 contexts:

• In a business sense: The Romans would stamp “Tetelestai” on business receipts when they had been Paid in Full!
• In a judicial setting: “Tetelestai” was the word used when a sentence had been Fully Served!
• When used in a military context, “Tetelestai” meant that the Battle was Won!

In context, isn’t that Powerful?

Sunday – John 20:11, 18

“But Mary stood outside the tomb, crying. As she was crying, she stooped to look into the tomb.” John 20:11

“Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them what He had said to her.” John 20:18

You may be wondering why I chose these two verses as stand out scriptures.

Just as He told them in Chapter 16, their weeping turned to joy!

If you are in a time of weeping, let Him turn it to joy. Even in sorrow and pain, He will carry you.

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These verses were perfect to read and focus on during the week before Easter. However, we celebrate Easter year round. These stand out scriptures are as much a blessing today as they were the week of Easter.

I challenge you to focus on a scripture that stands out to you. See what the Lord wants you to see in that scripture and how you can apply it to your life. His Word is amazing!

Until next week…

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“Every living creature will be food for you; as I gave the green plants, I have given you everything.” Genesis 9:3