Holy Week: Last Supper, Gethsemane, Betrayal, Arrest

Holy Week: Last Supper, Gethsemane, Betrayal, Arrest      

                                                                      

In my previous Holy Week blog posts we witnessed Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, (Palm Sunday); we saw Him shake things up at the Temple; we rejoiced as He blessed children and healed the afflicted; we heard Him teach about love.  


Now let’s move on to Thursday.


On this day the celebration of Passover began.  (FYI- Today, April 9, 2020, is the first day of Passover.)


“Now on the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying to Him, ‘Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?’ And Jesus said, ’Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him. “The Teacher says, ‘My time is at hand; I will keep the Passover at your house with My disciples.’”


“So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them; and they prepared the Passover. When evening had come, He sat down with the twelve. Now as they were eating, He said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.’” (Matthew 26:17-23 NKJV). 

“And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, ‘Take, eat; this is My body.’   

Illustration by Lesley James from 

The Lord has Need of YOU by Connie Wohlford

“Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you; For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.’ 


“And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives” (Matthew 26:26-30 NKJV). 




Quoting from my book, The Lord Has Need of YOU: 


“That night, in a garden called Gethsemane, Jesus and His disciples, except for Judas, went to pray. 


“Hours passed, the torches burned out, and the disciples all nodded off. But Jesus was still praying. He knew He was facing a lot of pain and suffering.

“In the end, He cried out, ‘Oh, My Father, if it is possible, let there be another way. Nevertheless, not My will but Your will be done.’


“Then all of a sudden, the disciples were jolted awake by the clamoring of swords shattering the quiet night. They staggered to their feet and rubbed their eyes to see what was causing the commotion. 


“Judas led soldiers to Jesus and kissed His cheek to show the soldiers He was the one they wanted. Judas had betrayed his best friend. 


“The muscular soldiers grabbed Jesus and led Him away to face the high priest, Caiaphas. Jesus had been accused of breaking laws.


“A few hours later, Jesus was handed over to Pontius Pilate, a Roman government official. Pilate brought Jesus before the people and asked them, ‘What do you want me to do with your King?’” * 


Here we are now, on Friday morning. Please check in tomorrow as we continue in Holy Week.

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At the beginning of this week I encouraged you to read, in your Bible, about the last days of Jesus’ life. Quite a bit happened in those few days. I hope you’re doing that. If not, you can start now. Begin your reading at these points: Matthew 21, Mark 11, Luke 19:28, and John 12:12. Go ahead and read through to the end of each of the Gospels between now and Easter Sunday. Be blessed with me as we learn Jesus. 


Each day this week, I’m posting a few highlights from those amazing days in history. Also, I’m using some of the pictures and quotes from my book titled, The Lord has Need of YOU.* The illustrations are watercolor paintings by artist, Lesley James. 


Thank you for traveling with me through these extraordinary days. God bless you. 


*The Lord Has Need of YOU, by Connie Wohlford. Copyright Connie Wohlford, 2019, Hoot Books Publishing.

*The Lord Has Need of YOU can be purchased directly from me via email author@conniewohlford.com or through Amazon,  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1687536104/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0


©Copyright 2020 Connie Wohlford

Jesus would have none of it!

Jesus would have none of it!                


Jesus had just received a joyous and glorious reception upon entering Jerusalem. “Hosanna to the Son of David!” the people shouted. “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD! Hosanna in the highest!” they proclaimed upon His arrival.  (Matthew 11:1-9 NKJV)


But then, just a short time later, He offended some of His fellow Jews. 


Mark’s Gospel records it this way: “Jesus went into the temple and began to drive out those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. And He would not allow anyone to carry wares through the temple.


“Then He taught, saying to them, ‘Is it not written, “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations”? But you have made it a den of thieves.’


“And the scribes and chief priests heard it and sought how they might destroy Him; for they feared Him, because all the people were astonished at His teaching.” 


Jesus knew the temple authorities were making unfair profits off what should be legitimate transactions. Also, people were disrespecting the temple by taking shortcuts through the complex to get from one place to another. 

Watercolor painting by artist, Lesley James, in book, 

The Lord Has Need of YOU, by Connie Wohlford

In my book, The Lord Has Need of YOU, I explained it thus: “Most people were there to worship God, but others were exchanging foreign coins for less than they were worth. Some shop keepers were charging too much money for items to be used in worship. Jesus saw that these merchants were stealing from people who just wanted to please God. In His eyes, they were like thieves. 


“He was not going to put up with this and pushed over the merchants’ tables. Everyone stared in disbelief as money and merchandise spilled onto the floor, but they knew in their hearts that Jesus was right. The merchants had dishonored God and His Temple with their actions.  


“Then, Jesus said, ‘It is written, “My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves!”’*  



Jesus was executing His authority, but many of the religious leaders did not recognize His authority. Hatred for Jesus was fermenting and a plot to kill Him was looming.  



As we continue in Holy Week I encourage you to read in your Bible about the last few days of Jesus’ life. This phase of Jesus’ time on earth begins with His Triumphal Entry, known as Palm Sunday. I posted about that yesterday. If you didn’t read it, I invite you to do so. 




Quite a bit happens in these few days. See for yourself. Begin your reading at these points: Matthew 21, Mark 11, Luke 19:28, and John 12:12. Go ahead and read through to the end of each of the Gospels between now and Easter Sunday. Be blessed with me as we learn Jesus. 


Each day this week, I plan to post highlights from those amazing few days in history. Also, I will use some pictures and quotes from my book titled, The Lord has Need of YOU*. The illustrations are watercolor paintings by artist, Lesley James. 


*The Lord Has Need of YOU, by Connie Wohlford. Copyright Connie Wohlford, 2019, Hoot Books Publishing.

*The Lord Has Need of YOU can be purchased directly from me via email author@conniewohlford.com or through Amazon,  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1687536104/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0

©Copyright 2020 Connie Wohlford

New Easter Book –

New Easter Book –

With Easter right around the corner, I hope you’ll take a look at my new book.


I like to call this special day “Resurrection Day.”

Whichever way you like it, are you looking for an Easter book—one that tells the true story of Resurrection Day? Would you like a book about the real reason the occasion is celebrated all around the world?

My latest book titled, The Lord Has Need of You, is just that. 

Though it is categorized a children’s book, many adults get it for themselves. They are enthralled by the beautiful art and love the way the story is shared through the eyes of two loveable donkeys.






Here are a few details:


- The exciting opening scene sets the stage for immediately getting acquainted with the characters and the nature of Jesus.

Jesus enters Jerusalem - Palm Sunday

- Next you walk through the last few days of Jesus’ life on Earth, beginning with His Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem (Palm Sunday); He blesses children (one of my favorite pictures in the book), teaches and heals folks; you’ll witness His death, burial, and resurrection; it ends with His ascension back to Heaven.







- The donkeys’ involvement in Jesus entry into Jerusalem is truth, according to Scripture, but the rest of their involvement in The Lord Has Need of You is fictional. They play a delightful role in helping captivate the interest of children. (The mama donkey, Elpis, was the baby donkey in my previous children’s books about Jesus as an infant. Families who have those books will LOVE seeing Elpis’ colt carry Jesus!)

- The full color illustrations by Virginia artist, Lesley James, carry the story along beautifully.

- Redemption is illustrated in easy-to-understand terms.

- The Gospel is clearly stated.

- The epilogue offers encouragement to answer God’s call to serve and gives an opportunity to receive Salvation.

- The book is reasonably priced at just $10.00.

- A free crossword puzzle comes with each book ordered directly from me.

- Also, when ordering from me, (continental U.S. only), I’m happy to sign and personalize your copy if you wish. Just contact me at author@conniewohlford.com. Sales tax for Virginia orders will be added, and a nominal fee is added for shipping.

The book is also available on Amazon. Here’s the link:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1687536104/ref=rdr_ext_tmb