The Coming King

Palm Sunday
  

Mark 11:1-11

Palm Sunday begins the “week that changed the world”. Everything in Jesus’ life and ministry have led up to this week. It’s drama and it’s salvation’s story.

From beginning to end, Jesus is very much in charge of this week and all that happens. Jesus is not a victim; He is changing the world through every day and moment in this week.

As strange as it may seem for us to hear the welcoming, rejoicing “Hosannas” of Palm Sunday and then see what happens in the rest of the week, this is God’s plan for redeeming the world--and us in it, too.

People have waited for this day and week for hundreds of years. Others have ridden into Jerusalem and nothing happened. But people are still waiting, ready and willing to welcome Jesus into their hopes and expectations of what He will do. At least they are looking for the King of their longings. Are we?

But Jesus doesn’t do what they think He should. Read on in Mark’s Gospel. Jesus cleanses the temple instead of gathering an army to drive Rome away. Their expectations are not met. People are disappointed again; some of them angry enough to join the “Crucify Him” chants of Good Friday. So much in such a short time.

Once again, we gather to hear, watch, listen….as we ourselves join in the “Week that changed the world”. And we pray that it will once again change us. We are loved enough to die for--and we need it, again and more.

What in the Story of Holy Week has had the greatest impact on your life so far and in what way?

Pray that God will open Holy Week’s Story(s) to new faith and hope in your life.

                                                                                                                     Pastor Paul Ulring

Jesus throws a Party

Returning from my first short term mission trip to Honduras over fifteen years ago, I was seated next to a man who told me had been in leadership of the Mormon church. He recently he stepped down, as he had some doubts.  He had started reading the Christian Bible and at this point in his life he wasn't sure about much of anything.  

I was new in my own 'relationship with Jesus Christ' and wanted to switch seats with a pastor, as I was sure he would be able to tell this seeker all about Jesus. I shot up a quick prayer asking for wisdom and proceeded to talk with him.

He told me that one of his biggest obstacles to the Christian idea of heaven was the thought of standing around, singing and praising God all day and night. This sounded boring and he could not imagine himself doing this for eternity. We talked the entire flight and at the end I asked if I could be praying for him and he agreed.

When I read from the book of Revelation I am reminded of a party in Heaven—a party God is throwing for all His people. They are celebrating their deliverance. Palm branches are waving in the air and everyone is wearing their robes of white. Robes which have been washing in the blood of Jesus. 

This party is reward for a job well done, and we, the recipients respond by offering praise and worship; perfect praise and worship. Sounds like fun to me!

“Amen! 
Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!” (Revelation 7:12)

Revelation 7:9-12

Palm Sunday

Mark 11:1-11

So here I am, a simple donkey. I’m minding my own business just standing here tied to a tree, trying to reach the grass on the other side. It looks so much greener over there! Well, the next thing I know, two guys approach and untie me. They try pulling me away, but I’m not very cooperative. You know how us donkeys are! Well, somehow all of my inhibitions are released and I am lost in the circumstance. Together we quest on to one of the most amazing adventures of my animal existence. I am somehow calm and comfortable.

The men gently guide me to a presence I have never, ever before experienced. I am humbled and honored somehow, and though I have never had a human on my back, I welcome the abrupt feel of coarse fabric on my torso, and the gentle weight of this man's body. Why? I am not certain, but am suddenly strong and proud.

He guides me down a dirt road covered in cloaks and branches. Though he doesn’t say a word, he seems to speak. People line the roadway and I hear chanting. “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” How did they know he would be coming, and why are they shouting to him? They know something I do not. I hear a woman’s quiet voice in the crowd refer to him as Jesus of Nazareth, and something about coming to save us.

As we reach the city and move past the crowds, in silence Jesus slips off of my back and tenderly strokes my head and ears. He intently heads toward the temple as the familiar men take me back to where they found me. I don’t want to go. I want to stay with this Jesus forever, but I oblige. Because of this experience, I will never be the same stubborn donkey I was. I don’t understand, but I am changed and I like it!

Matthew 21:1-11

Isn't it amazing that the holiest and most somber of weeks begins with an event like Palm Sunday.  The week we prepare our hearts and minds to walk the path of pain and anguish alongside Jesus, that week begins with a great big parade!  Palm Sunday brings out hundreds if not thousands of people who are proclaiming Jesus to be their king.  They are treating him like royalty, preparing a path with their coats for His colt and donkey to walk upon.

Palm branches are waving and songs of praise are heard along the path.  Hosanna! "They all shouted, "Hosanna to the Son of David!"
"Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!" —(Psalm 118:26)
"Hosanna in the highest heaven!"

I find myself getting caught up in the excitement at the worship service on this thrilling day.  I love to wave my palm branch high in the air, recognizing Jesus is King!  The feeling of awe and wonder is all around; even knowing Maundy Thursday and Good Friday are waiting in the wings.

Won't you join in the celebration, add your voice to the voices across the world who are singing, "Hosanna! Hosanna!"


Read the text for Palm Sunday here at Biblegateway.