Preparing for the One Who Comes
Luke 19:28-44
28 After Jesus said this, he continued on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.
29 As Jesus came to Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives, he gave two disciples a task. 30 He said, “Go into the village over there. When you enter it, you will find tied up there a colt that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks, ‘Why are you untying it?’ just say, ‘Its master needs it.’” 32 Those who had been sent found it exactly as he had said.
33 As they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?”
34 They replied, “Its master needs it.” 35 They brought it to Jesus, threw their clothes on the colt, and lifted Jesus onto it. 36 As Jesus rode along, they spread their clothes on the road.
37 As Jesus approached the road leading down from the Mount of Olives, the whole throng of his disciples began rejoicing. They praised God with a loud voice because of all the mighty things they had seen. 38 They said,
“Blessings on the king who comes in the name of the Lord.
Peace in heaven and glory in the highest heavens.”
39 Some of the Pharisees from the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, scold your disciples! Tell them to stop!”
40 He answered, “I tell you, if they were silent, the stones would shout.”
41 As Jesus came to the city and observed it, he wept over it. 42 He said, “If only you knew on this of all days the things that lead to peace. But now they are hidden from your eyes. 43 The time will come when your enemies will build fortifications around you, encircle you, and attack you from all sides. 44 They will crush you completely, you and the people within you. They won’t leave one stone on top of another within you, because you didn’t recognize the time of your gracious visit from God.”
We celebrate Palm Sunday this week, and will begin with a parade of Palms throughout the sanctuary.
Children (and any adult) are invited to meet in the back with their palm branches, and march around, leading the parade, as we reenact the crowds response to Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. This is always a joyous day, and one that is celebratory.
Pastor Steve will be preaching on the contrast that is also present with Jesus' entry into Jerusalem.
It is a day where Jesus laments, and mourns what He knows is coming- "Oh Jerusalem, Jerusalem, if you only knew." There is such longing and sadness in Jesus' lament, even amidst the joy and excitement around Him.
He knows the people and leaders will be rejecting Him, and what He has to offer them- forgiveness, a new life with God, and a new Covenant- one that will not be dependent on the sacrifice of animals, nor on who is ruling their country. And, he mourns.
So, we hold both of these experiences, and both of these truths together, as we ready God's Word, and experience Palm Sunday together.
ALSO- there are some extra door hangers/invitations for Easter Sunday that will be at the First Impression table this Sunday. If you would like to invite your neighbors, or give one to a friend, please take one. :)
See you Sunday.
In Christ, Pastor Kari
GATHERING FOR SUNDAY
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