5 Critical Lessons in Emotion from Jesus' Disciples During Holy Week

The disciples couldn't imagine the tragic events that would occur later in the week. Jesus' entry into Jerusalem was marked by triumph as he rode on a donkey and received a royal welcome. The crowd waved palm branches, threw garments on the road, and expressed exuberant fanfare of "Hosanna to the King" in anticipation of the end of Roman tyranny.

The spirited atmosphere made it difficult for the disciples to contain their joy, as the exuberant uproar reflected the people's approval and admiration. Awe-struck, the twelve disciples were bursting with laughter, dancing, and wholehearted commitment to Jesus and His mission as they expected the dawning of a new Israel. 

This event marked the beginning of Jesus' final week on earth, but the response from the crowds told a different story. Jesus, in accordance with Zechariah 9:9-10, rode on a donkey, demonstrating humility and peace, which sharply contrasted with the grand entrance of a victorious king on a war horse. Regrettably, neither the crowds nor the disciples grasped the symbolism behind this humble mode of entry, representing Jesus' purpose of peace and redemption. 

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Over the next few days, the disciples experienced a rollercoaster of emotions, including hope, confusion, and despair. In the Temple, Jesus' righteous indignation caused the religious leaders to despise Him as He threw out the robbing money changers, quoting the prophets, "' My house will be called a house of prayer,' but you are making it 'a den of robbers'" (Isaiah 56:7, Jeremiah 7:11, Matthew 21:13).  

At the Last Supper, the disciples' warm fellowship of sharing a meal with Jesus eased the week's tensions until Jesus spoke of his betrayal and imminent suffering. Jesus warned the disciples, saying, "The one who shared my bread has turned against me" (John 13:18). Some saw Judas leaving the table, although they didn't fully understand. Some thought he would handle festival needs or donate to those in need. The depth of the impending betrayal eluded their grasp. 

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After the meal, they sang a hymn and went to a familiar place to pray. 

The joy from Jesus's triumphant entry diminished. Replaying the religious leaders' attacks against Him, cleaning the Temple of dishonest money changers, and denouncing the Pharisees' envy and hypocrisy only increased the tensions. Even the innocent voices of children shouting "Hosanna to the Son of David" in the Temple provoked the ire of the Pharisees and chief priests.  

Jesus urged them to stay alert and pray, knowing the critical moments of impending crucifixion. Handpicking Peter, James, and John to accompany Him, Jesus confided, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me" (Matthew 26:38). Seeing Jesus overwhelmed with sorrow, their devastation grew, and their emotions intensified.

Upon His return from prayer, Jesus found the disciples fast asleep. Although Peter boasted he would never deny Jesus, Jesus asked Peter why he couldn't watch and pray to avoid the temptation of a willing spirit but weak flesh (Matthew 26:41).  

Upon finding them asleep for the third time, failing to understand the significance of that critical night, Jesus conveyed that His hour had come—the betrayer was approaching.

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The sight of Judas approaching with armed soldiers stunned the disciples. The perplexed eleven looked on as one of their companions betrayed Jesus by kissing him. 

Why would Judas betray Jesus? He witnessed healings, miraculous feedings, the blind gaining sight, the lame walking, and casting out demons. How could Judas betray Jesus like this? 

With doubts remaining about whether he had intended to harm Judas, taking his sword, Peter sliced off an enemy's ear, 

Jesus chastised Peter for not understanding God's redemptive plan and reminded him that he could call upon twelve legions of angels for protection. However, Jesus clarified that the unfolding events must occur in this specific manner to fulfill the Scriptures (Matthew 26:53, 54). 

Surprised by Jesus permitting the unfolding events and further disconcerted by His act of healing an enemy's ear, the disciples, annoyed at Judas and Jesus for allowing such a situation, fled.  

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Their minds were flooded with questions, leaving them to wonder how this could occur. By resurrecting Lazarus and banishing demons, Jesus foreshadowed the imminent arrival of a new kingdom. The disciples begged Jesus to intervene.

Filled with anguish, Peter followed Jesus from a distance and reached the chief priest's courtyard. He observed Jesus being treated as if he were a criminal. Meanwhile, other disciples observed the cruel scene—the scourging, the procession through the streets, the mockery, and the eventual crucifixion. 

Their dreams for a new Jerusalem shattered before their eyes, leaving them in stunned silence and disbelief. Witnessing their friend and rabbi in agony, tears flowed down their faces as they heard the pounding of the hammer and the nails piercing his hands and feet. How would they cope with this devastating reality? Where could they go from here? 

When questioned in the courtyard, Peter denied his familiarity with Jesus. When he said, "I don't know the man," a rooster crowed, reminding him of Jesus' prophecy. Overwhelmed with remorse, Peter went out and bitterly wept (Luke 22:62). 

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Mary Magdalene raced from the tomb with astonishing news: "He is risen, just as He said!" Mary exclaimed, "I've seen the Lord! You must believe me! I've seen Jesus, alive!"

John and Peter hurried to the tomb, only to find it empty. The memories of Jesus' stories, miracles, healings, and the resounding applause and shouts of praise filled their minds with wonder, like a sunrise. The lingering question persisted: How could He be alive?

Behind locked doors on Sunday evening, Jesus made a surprising appearance, causing the disciples to laugh and weep with joy as they embraced their resurrected Lord. His visible nail prints and peaceful smile brought amazing joy and gladness. Their fearful hearts were calmed when they saw Jesus standing there, heard his peaceful voice, and touched His scars, which gave them a bold assurance in the reality of His teachings, miracles, and promises. He had returned, breathing life again. The Romans had better beware!

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The last week of Jesus's earthly life exceeded what the disciples could hope for. Their joyful entrance into Jerusalem turned into profound grief and sorrow until Jesus appeared alive! 

The fellowship with Jesus in the schoolroom of instruction continued for the next forty days. Despite doubts, the scars on his hands and feet alleviated the fears and sadness of the previous week. They reveled in the joy of those days like children with newfound treasures, engaging with, conversing, touching, and witnessing Him alive! 

They continued with their questions, "Lord, will you restore the kingdom to Israel now?" (Acts 1:6). However, His answer didn't disclose the specific times or dates. The Father had the final say in making the decision. Instead, they should seek the gift of God's power, the Holy Spirit, and enable them to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). 

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(1) Acknowledging that emotions are a divine gift, our choices in allowing them to run rampant or channeling them in a positive direction reflect our submission to God's guidance outlined in Scripture. (2) Entrusting our emotions to God allows them to be governed by the One who holds ultimate authority. (3) This submission facilitates the Holy Spirit's cultivation of virtues like self-control, aligning us with God's will and plan. (4) By fostering faith over fear (or any emotion), we become catalysts for actions rooted in trust.  (5) The same resurrection power that lifted Jesus from the dead empowers us to steer our emotional responses toward healthier outcomes that align with God's divine purpose.

Paul acknowledged the emotional hurdles we encounter, confirming. “We are hard pressed, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned, struck down but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8). The Psalmist echoes a reassuring reminder in 73:28, even “though our flesh and heart fail, God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” 

Like the disciples, we discover how to approach the joys and sorrows of life through our trust in Him. Every situation and emotion becomes a learning opportunity. 

 “God is in control, and therefore, in everything, I can give thanks—not because of the situation but because of the One who directs and rules over it.” Kay Arthur

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This article originally appeared on Christianity.com. For more faith-building resources, visit Christianity.com.