Tag Archives: Palm Sunday

Serving God, Following the Example of Jesus

Lent

April 2, 2023

Scripture Reading:

Matthew 21:1-11
When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 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. If anyone says anything to you, just say this, “The Lord needs them.” And he will send them immediately.’ This took place to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet, saying,
‘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.’

The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 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!’

When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, ‘Who is this?’ The crowds were saying, ‘This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.’

Fame can be heady, but it also can be a challenge. Being a star actor, musician, athlete, politician even a preacher makes people deal with who they really are and who others perceive them to be. Jesus had to walk that lonely journey. He had to find the perfect combination of being known for who he really was while being able to get others’ attention to share his purpose and not just view him as what we might call a Rock Star.

Amid being surrounded by people all different, and all-seeing him from the prisms of their lives, Jesus seemed to be able to meet each person by who they were and respond appropriately from the children waving their palms in great joy to being jealous (?) threatened (?) faith leaders and even Pilate. He loved them all.

We inherited this same challenge from Jesus when we answered his call to take up his cross and follow (See Matthew 16:24-26} his example to love everyone as we work to build God’s Beloved Community.

Prayer: Lord, during this Holy Week open our hearts and minds to your service. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.

The Presence of God

Lent
March 23, 2018

 Scripture Reading: Mark 11:1-11

Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting,
‘Hosanna!
   Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
   Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!’
Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve. –Mark 11:8-11

What was Jesus looking for when he entered the temple? What about that building was important to him? What upset him? Did he go to worship and became disgusted at all the money changers and merchants in the courtyard? Did he recall that first visit when he was twelve? Did he wonder why many followed him, but the religious leaders were threatened by him?

There is something special about a house of worship. I attend a church now with a simple but beautiful sanctuary with wonderful wood all around. I love wood. It feels sacred walking in the door. I particularly like to sit in one of the pews and listen to the organ or piano being played. I experienced that same sacredness when I was a child and entered the little one-room schoolhouse which also served as a church on Sunday. Its school use was ended years before but until I was five it was my church where I learned Jesus Loves Me and how to Let My Little Light Shine.

Of course, it is not the building. Houses of worship allow us to automatically acknowledge the presence of God who is always with us but at times gets pushed to the corners of our minds and lives. That is why it is so important that we gather together at houses of worship to help us get God properly aligned in our lives. When we are aligned with God, our lives are aligned with all other aspects.

My sense is that Jesus was always aligned with God but even with that being so in times like he was facing it surely had to help strengthen him to enter the house of God one more time understanding that humans are fragile and much needed to be accomplished to help God’s children fully align with God.

Prayer: God who is always present with us, thank you for understanding us when our frailties overcome us, and we lose sight of your constant presence. I was and still am glad when they said unto me let us go into the house of the Lord*.  Amen

*Derived from Psalm 12223

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.

Following the Path of Christ

Lent
March 22, 2018

 Scripture Reading: Mark 11:1-11

When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples and said to them, ‘Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, “Why are you doing this?” just say this, “The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.” ’ They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, some of the bystanders said to them, ‘What are you doing, untying the colt?’ They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. –Mark 11:1-7

Someone posted a picture on Facebook recently of my 14-month-old great grandniece kissing her grandfather’s donkey through a fence. The donkey still wore his shaggy winter coat. It was a perfectly peaceful picture of shared admiration and awe. I wonder when she is older if she will remember that donkey when she reads the story of Jesus riding a donkey through Jerusalem? Of course, a donkey served another important role in the life of Jesus, it carried his mother to Bethlehem while she was pregnant with Jesus. While donkeys can be stubborn and even mean, they are often gentle beast of burden whose purpose in many places was obsoleted by modern modes of transportation.  They still fit well in grandfather’s pastures along with the cattle and horses. He even has a llama.

The humble donkey is not the expected source for conveying a purported King as he received the adoration of his followers. The Roman rulers’ rode well-trained horses or in chariots behind them. They entered the gates of cities with great pomp and attention. This Jesus was nothing like them as he seemed to claim his proper role of Messiah. Could his riding a donkey even be poking a little fun at the Roman audacity? Did Jesus know in a few short days many of the same people would be in crowds begging the Roman ruler to crucify Jesus?

Perhaps we are not the first people to long for instant gratification and to scatter helter-skelter to the latest person or fad that seems to offer to fulfill our dreams with little or no effort on our part. Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem that day started a journey on which his followers continue to this day. He knew his purpose and was willing to fulfill it. He had taught his followers the art of love and eventually turned over to them the responsibility to spread God’s love making it the driving force in the lives of all people for no other reason than he knew it was the best way of living for all of us because he loved us so much.

Prayer: Thank you Lord for your journey here on earth, for teaching us the art of love, and for giving your life for us. Hold us tightly as we can be swept away by the mighty winds of greed and lust for power. Guide us in your path as we grow in loving as you love. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.

God’s Gift of Joy

Lent
April 7, 2017

Scripture Reading: Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29

Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
   We bless you from the house of the Lord.
The Lord is God,
   and he has given us light.
Bind the festal procession with branches,
   up to the horns of the altar.

 You are my God, and I will give thanks to you;
   you are my God, I will extol you.

 O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
   for his steadfast love endures forever. –Psalm 118:26-28

We come to the end of our Psalm for this week and understand why it was included in the lectionary. It is the source of the words used by the crowds that rejoiced in Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem, on what we now call Palm Sunday. Can you image being a modern-day news reported standing with mike in hand getting people’s reaction to the arrival of Jesus. I am sure the responses were as varied as the people in the crowd. Many probably joined just to see what was going on: How would the Romans react? What would the religious leaders do? Some might have longed for the equivalent of a selfie they could share with their friends. Others having heard him speak were impressed with his teachings and wanted to hear more. A few knew who he was and why he was there. I doubt anyone fully understood what came next.

Jesus was well acquainted with the scriptures, particularly the Psalms. He knew that these words of praise were preceded by Psalm 118: 22 The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. His donkey ride into Jerusalem was the culmination of his entering the gate. Having planted the seeds for the coming Kingdom and started the process of training those responsible for its development, he was ready for the final phase of his mission which was the initiation of a new heaven and a new earth ruled by love.

Prayer: God of yesterday, today, and tomorrow, we thank you for the gift of your Son who is our role model, our nurturer, and our savior. For his sake, we enter your courts with singing as we experience the source of joy. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the new Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.

Ride On

Jesus enters JerusalemLent
March 28, 2015

Scripture Reading: John 12:12-16

The next day the great crowd that had come to the festival heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, shouting,
‘Hosanna!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord—
   the King of Israel!’
Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it; as it is written:
‘Do not be afraid, daughter of Zion.
Look, your king is coming,
   sitting on a donkey’s colt!’ — John 12:12-15

The time had come. We have all been there whether it was getting ready for a wedding or a funeral, preparing for a family reunion, or graduating from school. There may be a few last minute runs for more food or a quick wash when a child appears with food all over but the day is finally here.

I have wondered what Jesus thought as he rode through the masses. We know that he had sat looking down over Jerusalem and said: ‘Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!’ (Matthew 23:37) That ride into Jerusalem must have been heart rending. The people are still so innocent, still so lacking in understanding. Had he prepared them enough?

As followers of Christ we are continually preparing to live our love to show mercy to do justice, but all our preparations do not mean a think unless we initiate and act. We may never feel ready but we will learn along the way and we are never alone as we journey toward the Kingdom of God.

Prayer:
God of grace and God of glory,
 On Thy people pour Thy power.
 Crown Thine ancient church’s story,
 Bring her bud to glorious flower.
 Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
 For the facing of this hour,
 For the facing of this hour.* Amen.

*From God of Grace and God of Glory by Harry E. Fosdick
All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of American. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Purpose

Purpose2Lent
March 26, 2015

Scripture Reading: Mark 11:1-11

When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples and said to them, ‘Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, “Why are you doing this?” just say this, “The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.” ’ — Mark 11:1-3

These verses have always make me think that a lot of thought and planning had gone into this trip. While Jesus appears to do random acts of kindness throughout his ministry, there is an undercurrent of purpose in each step he takes.

I coordinated planning for a large multi-functional human service agency for several years. What I learned in that time is that nothing ever goes exactly as planned and rarely are purposes met that are not planned. Most of our lives are spent doing what we might consider mundane, routine tasks that add up eventually to homes being purchased, children going to college, and ultimately, for example, cures for dread diseases being discovered.

Jesus’ purpose, I believe, was to initiate the Kingdom of God throughout the earth. There may have been several course corrections on his path to Jerusalem that day and even more to come over the next several days but he never wavered from his purpose.

We as his followers are the heirs to his plan. We share the same purpose: Loving our way toward the end that the Kingdom of God is actualized throughout the world. Let it be so.

Prayer: Lord, nurture us to love as you loved, open our hearts to your plan, and our brains and backs to your work. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of American. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

The Victory Ride

Triumphal entryLent
March 25, 2015

Scripture Reading: Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29

 Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
   We bless you from the house of the Lord.
The Lord is God,
   and he has given us light.
Bind the festal procession with branches, up to the horns of the altar.

You are my God, and I will give thanks to you;
   you are my God, I will extol you.  

 O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
   for his steadfast love endures for ever. — Psalm 118: 26-29

 All four gospels* record the story of what we now call the Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and all four gospels quote the line from this Psalm: Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. The quotes are exact except in Luke where the word “king” is substituted for “one”. All four surely intended the connection between this poem of victory and Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem. All four most likely recognized the reference back to King David. Most of the participants and onlookers were acquainted with the Psalms, perhaps even the Roman soldiers, whose security alert level might have been raised when one entered the city like returning Roman troops. They might even have been offended by the caricature of a victorious king riding on a donkey.

Up to this point as we have journeyed through the gospels, we have seen a man who wished to remain in the shadows: “tell no one”, “he withdrew”, “Let us go to the other side.” On this day, he takes his victory ride straight into the arms of danger. Who is this man called Jesus anyway?

Prayer: Lord as we prepare to follow you from your victory ride to Golgotha open our hearts and minds to know thee more clearly, love thee more dearly and follow thee more nearly**. Amen.

*Matthew 21-22, Mark 11-12, Luke 19-20, John 12
**from prayer of Richard, Bishop of Chichester  –1283
All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of American. Used by permission. All rights reserved.