As we begin Passion week, we look back to the week that our Savior, through his death and resurrection, made a way for us to rise as well. And along the way, we see a series of contrasts between him and us.

First, just prior to Palm Sunday, Jesus “set his face to go to Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51). That meant one thing for his apostles: “An argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest” (Luke 9:46). That meant something entirely different for Jesus: certain death (Luke 18:31-33)

May we, like Jesus, be more concerned about submitting to the will of our heavenly Father than making a name for ourselves.

Second, in Luke 19:41–42 we read these words: “And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it.” Even though many in Jerusalem rejected him, his sorrow over their rejection reflected the heart of God: “Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign LORD. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live” (Ezekiel 18:23)?

May we, like Jesus, weep over those who reject him…and those who reject us.

Third, on what we now call Maundy Thursday, Jesus, our king, made himself a servant. By washing the feet of his disciples, he served a group of self-serving men. And in doing so, he showed us what following the one true king means. Nowhere, though, is that more clearly seen than when Jesus, the very next day, traded his life for ours on a lonely cross.

May we, like Jesus, make ourselves servants to those around us and give ourselves away for the sake of his kingdom.

During this passion week, may our passion for Christ grow as we consider again all that he has shown us and all that he has done for us. And as our passion for Christ grows, may our lives become a lot more like his.