A LOOK AT THE MINOR CHARACTERS IN THE STORY OF THE LAST DAYS OF JESUS BEFORE DEATH AND RESURRECTIONThere are many characters in the story of Jesus' last days before His death and resurrection. We explore the "minor" heroes and their pivotal roles in the grand scheme.

In this gripping tale of love, betrayal, and redemption, we follow the intertwined lives of Andrew, Nadia, and their respective challenges and heartaches. Andrew, a bright young boy from Africa, enters Cambridge University with dreams of escaping poverty, supported by his village's hopes. Yet, temptation leads him astray, resulting in a shattered academic journey and a betrayal that devastates Nadia, the princess who believed in him. As Andrew succumbs to the pressure of his roots, embracing a new life, Nadia is left to navigate a world of unanswered questions about love and abandonment while raising their children alone. Alongside them is Jim, a successful businessman whose loyalty is tested by an old friend turned rival, culminating in devastating consequences. This narrative of poignant relationships explores the depths of human emotion, revealing how betrayal can echo through the lives of those we hold dear, all while drawing parallels with biblical themes of loyalty through the story of Judas Iscariot. The story's universal themes of love, loss, and the quest for understanding in the face of life's betrayals will resonate with readers, making this an essential read for anyone who values emotional depth in storytelling.

Jesus was the special guest in the Pharisee's home, and merriment was in full gear. Just as everyone was lost in their mirth, then came into their midst a woman of "easy virtue." Gingerly bearing an alabaster box, she made straight to pour same on Jesus' feet. On citing her, silence and the sweet fragrance of the perfume engulfed the room. How did she get in? Who invited her, and what did she want? Not minding their gaze, she continued her mission, poured the entire content of an alabaster box on His feet, and wiped them with her hair. The occupants of the room were alarmed. What an audacious move! If Jesus was indeed a prophet, He should have known she did not qualify to be in their presence. Why would she waste such expensive perfume? A whole year's wage for dirty feet? What is a woman of loose virtue looking for in such an august gathering Pray tell, in their conceit, how would they imagine she had a noble cause and her deed was divinely orchestrated. Jesus was supposed to be a special guest of honour, yet, no one washed His feet before he came into the house. This woman did much more than washing feet; she anointed them. To think she was showing her heartfelt gratitude. Her "thank you" was meeting the Master's need and incurring the wrath of hypocrites. Amazing! Did she envisage the effect her actions would have? We can safely answer, no, she did not. Her life revealed that when our worship is from the heart and in gratitude to God for all He had done, we might just be etching our names and deeds in the tablets of history.

Interestingly, the people who queried the woman's actions and Jesus' "no reaction" did so because she, by her action, exposed their hypocrisy. How did they know she was not worthy? 

Christ's invitation today is the same as in the apostles' days. His words, "Follow me," and I will make you. But it did not end there. They obeyed pronto. They heeded the Master's call. They left the known for the unknown!On one of my trips to Israel, the land of the Bible, we stayed at a hotel by the Sea of Galilee. I had been on voyages to Israel before then, but this one was different.I could sit by the sea with my Bible in hand as I relived the stories, especially the one played out by the sea. I wanted to travel back in time. I needed the experience. I needed an encounter (after all, many miracles happened by the same sea), One of which was the call of the disciples.These men were illiterate. They were fishermen on the lower rung of the ladder of life. Then came the day a man walked by, called out to them, and promised to improve their lot. They left their all and went with a total stranger.What was the attraction to Jesus? Did they sense He was someone important, or did they nurse the dream of becoming greater in the future?How is it they were able to go without knowing where they were headed?What made grown-up men follow a stranger who was not in their trade? Was it the authority in His voice, or were they tired of their profession and needed a change?Plus, what a promise, from fish to men!!! What did that even mean?The answer would take a few years to take form fully.

Simon Peter, "the reed," renamed "the rock", was the feisty one amongst the disciples. His zeal put him in front of activities in the group. Whilst the Master did not appoint anyone to any unique position, Peter stationed himself as the number one. He had an opinion about almost everything. He was the disciple who identified Jesus' real identity—the one who was bold enough to quiz the Master about their lot.

The miraculous story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead is one of the most powerful narratives in the New Testament, found in the Gospel of John 11:1-44. This event reveals Jesus’ divine authority over life and death, reinforcing His role as the Messiah and affirming the Christian belief in resurrection. When Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha, fell ill and died, Jesus arrived four days later, demonstrating His deep compassion and connection to humanity. Through a heartfelt prayer, He called Lazarus out of the tomb, reviving him and providing a powerful testament to faith, hope, and the promise of eternal life. This remarkable miracle reaffirmed the beliefs of Jesus’ followers and was a significant foreshadowing of His resurrection, making it a pivotal moment for Christians worldwide.

Dealing with grief can be overwhelming, but finding strength through faith can offer solace during tumultuous times. Taking inspiration from Mary, the mother of Jesus, we can learn how to navigate our mourning. Mary exemplifies unwavering faith and resilience, especially during her profound loss when Jesus was crucified. Her deep trust in God's plan, despite her heartache, serves as a powerful model for coping with grief. Practicing prayer, seeking community support, and reflecting on cherished memories, all of which are crucial in our journey of healing, can help us channel our pain into healing. By embracing the lessons from Mary's journey, we can discover pathways to comfort and peace during our grieving times, allowing faith to guide us through the darkness

In a poignant narrative that resonates with heartbreak and faith, we witness the unwavering loyalty of Jesus' followers during the darkest days following His crucifixion. These devoted disciples, especially the women—Mary, Mary Magdalene, and others—grapple with deep sadness and confusion as they process His heartbreaking messages about death and suffering. After witnessing countless miracles and transformations in their lives thanks to His guidance, their world is shattered when the King of Glory lies in a borrowed tomb, seemingly lost forever. Yet, their commitment remains resolute; fueled by gratitude and love, they bravely tend to His lifeless body, encountering the extraordinary when an angel announces His resurrection. This unparalleled moment of hope serves as a reminder of the power of unwavering faith, even amid despair. Readers are invited to reflect on their own journeys of belief and the bravery they would need to show for Jesus, finding strength in loyalty and the promise of renewal. The narrative unfolds with the message "He is not here; He is risen," encouraging all to discover the profound joy that comes with steadfast faith in God.

In this week leading up to the Crucifixion, we are challenged to comprehend the transformative heart change Jesus desires for us (Luke 9:23). True worship is not just in praise but in surrendering our wills to align with God's divine purpose. Join us as we delve deeper into this vital message of obedience, humility, and the call to be available to God’s agenda on Earth. Let's explore Isaiah 53, Psalm 22, and Luke 19:40, seeking to understand our roles in the grand narrative of reconciliation that God has set forth.

Jesus had a time and place of prayer.Pain is a messenger. The alarm that wakes us up to what we must attend to. When pain knocks, we have no choice but to stop to consider it.Pain pushes us to go to God and brings heaven onto the scene.The place of surrender is the gateway to God’s glory and grace.Angels are always on hand to help the praying soul.Without the cup of suffering, there can be no crown of glory.Everyone has at least one opportunity in their life to come to the place of surrender to God’s will.The process of crushing has no beauty whatsoever. The result of it, though, is growth, smoothness, and power.