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As we continue to move toward the events often referred to as the Passion of Christ, we might just need to hear “whoa.” You may not be a cattle farmer, but if you have watched any westerns on your streaming platforms, you certainly have heard “whoa” many times. It is a command someone might give a horse, but over time it has been a popular expression we hear when someone seems to be rushing ahead and needs to slow down and consider all the circumstances and implications of their actions.

For several years, we have kept “resurrection eggs” at our house as a way to teach the grandkids about the events of Holy Week. You can’t buy these eggs at the grocery store, but if you do a quick Google search you can easily find them. Inside each egg there is an item that is related to Holy Week. Items like coins (the Judas story), a cross, a crown of thorns, a cup, a spear, etc. Eleven eggs have something inside, but one egg is empty. It is the egg that reminds us that on Easter the tomb was empty.

Our twin grandchildren love to go through these eggs regularly, and they get especially excited to yell, “Jesus is alive!” when we open the empty egg. I love that response, and in just a few days many of us will proclaim this truth together at a worship service. However, as we rush to Easter morning we would do well to slow down and consider the teachings of Jesus during the week of his death.

In Matthew 23, Jesus opens by telling the crowds and his disciples to listen to the teachings of the scribes and Pharisees but not to follow their example. As you read on, Jesus calls out the religious leaders for their hypocrisy, their arrogance, and their lack of compassion in a series of “woes.” The biblical word for woe is different than whoa. It is an expression of lament, sadness, and judgment.

As harsh as this message was when Jesus spoke to the crowds, it stings when we read it even today. And while we may believe that we are far different than the scribes and Pharisees, it is important for us to slow down this week and ask God to reveal any areas where we are not acting with kindness, humility, and sincerity in our relationships with God or with each other.

As Jesus looked back at Jerusalem from outside her walls, you can sense that his heart literally was broken for the condition of his community. As you read this chapter, and especially the last few verses, join me in praying that God would move us to see the hurt and pain in the lives of those close to us and those far away, and that he would reveal how we can join him in bringing hope and life to them in their hour of need.

Father, as we near the time that you went to the cross for us, may we be aware of your great love and be committed to sharing your love with those around us. We are in awe of what you did for us at Calvary. Open our eyes to see you more clearly and love you more deeply as we await your return. In Jesus’ name, amen.