The Celebration Before the Sorrow

April 9, 2014
Opening Hymns:
73 Oh Worship the King http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh073.sht

Scripture Reading:
Matthew 21:1-11
21:1 When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples,

21:2 saying to them, "Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me.

21:3 If anyone says anything to you, just say this, 'The Lord needs them.' And he will send them immediately."

21:4 This took place to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet, saying,

21:5 "Tell the daughter of Zion, Look, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey."

21:6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them;

21:7 they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them.

21:8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.

21:9 The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!"

21:10 When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, "Who is this?"

21:11 The crowds were saying, "This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee."

Message:
Palm Sunday is coming up. A time of celebration, as Jesus is coming into Jerusalem. To me, Palm Sunday feels out of place. We wave palm branches around, sometimes marching around the church, and sing praises to God. It is a big celebration of Jesus’ arrival into Jerusalem… but we know what will happen shortly after. Almost too soon we have Good Friday where we focus our hearts on Jesus’ Sacrifice.

Palm Sunday and the days leading into Good Friday remind me of how easily hearts can change. The crowd turns against Him, and instead of cheering for Jesus as a prophet and a savior, they are yelling “Crucify Him.” Lent is a time where I focus my heart on Jesus’ love and sacrifice, but Palm Sunday throws me for a loop. Why do we have such a big celebration before Jesus’ death? It can remind us to be cautious with our actions, and ensure that we are following God’s will and not our own earthly desires. It also can prepare us for Easter celebrations. Death does not have the final say! Jesus is our Savior and is worthy to be praised!  

Time of Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, let us sing for joy as we celebrate Jesus’ arrival into Jerusalem. Thank You for Your love and the gift of Your Son, Jesus. Amen


The Lord’s Prayer


Closing Hymn
361 Rock of Ages Cleft for Me http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh361.sht

May the Lord bless you and keep you: May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace." Amen.

Go in peace, serve the Lord
Thanks be to God