Holy Week 2021 Devotionals
Easter Monday - April 5, 2021
Luke 24:13-35
The Walk to Emmaus
13 Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14 and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, 16 but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad. 18 Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” 19 He asked them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. 22 Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, 23 and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.” 25 Then he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! 26 Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” 27 Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures. 28 As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. 29 But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” 33 That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. 34 They were saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!” 35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.
Devotional
Do you recognize the walk the disciples make on the road to Emmaus? You should. Here, let me describe it another way: the road is as wide and expanse as a highway. It feels overwhelming and all you are trying to do is run away from your problems. Sometimes, the road is barely a walking path and you're left feeling like you are carrying the grief of the world on your own. As Luke tells us in Chapter 24:15-16: Jesus himself came up and walked along them; but they were kept from recognizing him. The men of Emmaus ruminated over the "what if's" or "why this or that." Something we can all appreciate after this past year. We focused on lost opportunities or the time we missed with family and friends. There were times when I personally struggled over yet another lost event or gatherings with loved ones. It felt as if I were alone. Then my phone would ring. Coincidence? Hardly.
It's Christ reaching out to us through others. And, Jesus is still revealing himself to us today. He is in that phone call when you needed someone most, or a hug you didn't ask for. It's in the verses to a hymn that reaches the depths of your soul.
Christ is always reaching out for us. He is asking us to trust in the resurrection promises and to hold on to our faith.
As a follower of Christ, this path isn't always easy. It takes conscious effort to live a Christ centered life. Do you know what is easy? Resting in our knowledge that Christ is with us even when we don't recognize him ourselves. Seek out Christ not only in times of joy and sadness. Find him in the everyday moments. Immanuel, "God with us," means ALWAYS with us.
Prayer
Our resurrected Lord, we sometimes fail to see you in our everyday experiences. Continue to guide our hearts to be witnesses of your grace and make us an extension of your loving mercy. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Robyn Lobsinger
The Walk to Emmaus
13 Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14 and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, 16 but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad. 18 Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” 19 He asked them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. 22 Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, 23 and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.” 25 Then he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! 26 Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” 27 Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures. 28 As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. 29 But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” 33 That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. 34 They were saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!” 35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.
Devotional
Do you recognize the walk the disciples make on the road to Emmaus? You should. Here, let me describe it another way: the road is as wide and expanse as a highway. It feels overwhelming and all you are trying to do is run away from your problems. Sometimes, the road is barely a walking path and you're left feeling like you are carrying the grief of the world on your own. As Luke tells us in Chapter 24:15-16: Jesus himself came up and walked along them; but they were kept from recognizing him. The men of Emmaus ruminated over the "what if's" or "why this or that." Something we can all appreciate after this past year. We focused on lost opportunities or the time we missed with family and friends. There were times when I personally struggled over yet another lost event or gatherings with loved ones. It felt as if I were alone. Then my phone would ring. Coincidence? Hardly.
It's Christ reaching out to us through others. And, Jesus is still revealing himself to us today. He is in that phone call when you needed someone most, or a hug you didn't ask for. It's in the verses to a hymn that reaches the depths of your soul.
Christ is always reaching out for us. He is asking us to trust in the resurrection promises and to hold on to our faith.
As a follower of Christ, this path isn't always easy. It takes conscious effort to live a Christ centered life. Do you know what is easy? Resting in our knowledge that Christ is with us even when we don't recognize him ourselves. Seek out Christ not only in times of joy and sadness. Find him in the everyday moments. Immanuel, "God with us," means ALWAYS with us.
Prayer
Our resurrected Lord, we sometimes fail to see you in our everyday experiences. Continue to guide our hearts to be witnesses of your grace and make us an extension of your loving mercy. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Robyn Lobsinger
Easter Sunday - April 4, 2021
Hugging my knees into my chest, peeking through the tiny spaces between my fingers where light filtered through, with squinted eyes, like all this would be some protective barrier, I watch horrified at the scene. The crucifixion. The way "justice" was served. This extraordinarily violent, painful, humiliating way seems so wrong. Who came up with this? Who deserves a crucifixion? I've heard of it. I've never seen it ...until now.
An invitation to a theater which had been rented for a church group, my neighbor asked if I'd like to join to see The Passion of the Christ. The timing was perfect. It was the Easter season. I was eager to go, yet I had no idea how life-changing this movie would be for me. It explained Easter in such a visual way, helping me to understand, to see clearly, literally, what Jesus had gone through for us...for me.
Can you imagine? Can you even begin to wrap your mind around the idea of gathering in the town circle, screaming and cheering with the crowd to hang someone on a cross right in front of you and watch them die? Can you imagine being the mother, the friend, heartbroken and helpless watching your beloved, the accused endure such pain? I don't think so, nor do I think the rest of the people in the theater could. As the movie ended the audience was in complete silence. Not a rustle of a jacket, not a murmur, not one body moved, not even a breath was heard. The two or three-minute absolute silence was broken with a sniffle, an exasperated breath from one viewer. This release of emotion was like the approval of its-ok-to-be-moved-to-tears kind of moment. This first person was followed by another and then another. The theater quietly and gently filled with sounds of sadness and unbelief where each person now had a better understanding what our savior endured for us. As unimaginable as a crucifixion is, how did Jesus sustain the yelling, beating, whipping, spitting, piercing, hanging... dying? He knew it was coming, yet he endured with such peace, such grace.
With joyful anticipation I do imagine. I imagine all the glorious things promised through him, the one who loves us so much he gave his life for us. (Gave! His! Life! - can you imagine?) Despite our shortcomings, he sees us perfect... and wonderful... and worthy. Death on the cross could not hold him; He is risen! For you... and me.
Prayer
Dear heavenly father, it is unimaginable what you have done for each one of us. Your love for us is beyond anything we can fully understand. You see us as perfect in your eyes, worthy of you. Let us be reminded each day to honor your generous grace and unfailing love by living our lives reflecting you. Amen.
Carolyn Siciliano
An invitation to a theater which had been rented for a church group, my neighbor asked if I'd like to join to see The Passion of the Christ. The timing was perfect. It was the Easter season. I was eager to go, yet I had no idea how life-changing this movie would be for me. It explained Easter in such a visual way, helping me to understand, to see clearly, literally, what Jesus had gone through for us...for me.
Can you imagine? Can you even begin to wrap your mind around the idea of gathering in the town circle, screaming and cheering with the crowd to hang someone on a cross right in front of you and watch them die? Can you imagine being the mother, the friend, heartbroken and helpless watching your beloved, the accused endure such pain? I don't think so, nor do I think the rest of the people in the theater could. As the movie ended the audience was in complete silence. Not a rustle of a jacket, not a murmur, not one body moved, not even a breath was heard. The two or three-minute absolute silence was broken with a sniffle, an exasperated breath from one viewer. This release of emotion was like the approval of its-ok-to-be-moved-to-tears kind of moment. This first person was followed by another and then another. The theater quietly and gently filled with sounds of sadness and unbelief where each person now had a better understanding what our savior endured for us. As unimaginable as a crucifixion is, how did Jesus sustain the yelling, beating, whipping, spitting, piercing, hanging... dying? He knew it was coming, yet he endured with such peace, such grace.
With joyful anticipation I do imagine. I imagine all the glorious things promised through him, the one who loves us so much he gave his life for us. (Gave! His! Life! - can you imagine?) Despite our shortcomings, he sees us perfect... and wonderful... and worthy. Death on the cross could not hold him; He is risen! For you... and me.
Prayer
Dear heavenly father, it is unimaginable what you have done for each one of us. Your love for us is beyond anything we can fully understand. You see us as perfect in your eyes, worthy of you. Let us be reminded each day to honor your generous grace and unfailing love by living our lives reflecting you. Amen.
Carolyn Siciliano
Easter Vigil Saturday - April 3, 2021
John 19:38-42
The Burial of Jesus
38 After these things, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, though a secret one because of his fear of the Jews, asked Pilate to let him take away the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission; so he came and removed his body. 39 Nicodemus, who had at first come to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, weighing about a hundred pounds. 40 They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it with the spices in linen cloths, according to the burial custom of the Jews. 41 Now there was a garden in the place where he was crucified, and in the garden there was a new tomb in which no one had ever been laid. 42 And so, because it was the Jewish day of Preparation, and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.
Who was Joseph of Arimathea?
Joseph of Arimathea is an interesting figure in the Bible. He is mentioned in all four Gospels, which tell us that he arranged for the burial of Jesus. Even so, there is not much biographical detail given in the Biblical accounts of him. It is likely that people reading the Gospels when they were first written would have had some knowledge of Joseph and his life. However, in later years, this absence of detail led to the creation of legends concerning who Joseph was and what he did during his life. One might understand these stories as attempts to make sense of who Joseph of Arimathea was and what motivated his generosity at the end of Jesus’s earthly life.
Some of these stories tell of kinship to Jesus and describe Joseph as an uncle of Jesus’s mother, Mary. As an older male relative with means, he would have been obligated to help with the burial. However, in the Gospel accounts, he is seen revealing himself as a follower who has volunteered to help. All four confirm that Joseph was a disciple, although John points out that he had kept this secret until the time of the burial.
As a devout Jew, Joseph would have known that Jewish law requires prompt burial, especially of someone who has been executed. His status as a member of the Sanhedrin gave him standing to approach Pilate with his request for the body. He and Nicodemus were willing to risk making themselves ritually unclean by touching a corpse; they prioritized the preparation of Jesus for burial.
Joseph of Arimathea’s actions spoke louder than any words he could have said about Jesus. At a time when things could not have been worse for Jesus and his followers, he stepped up and outed himself as a follower of Jesus, putting his reputation and life at risk. Other disciples had denied Jesus, run away, and were hiding; Joseph took a public step of faith for the sake of Jesus.
It can be tempting to keep belief in Jesus secret; one may want to avoid the kind of scorn and ridicule that attends to publicly professing Christian faith. What we see from Joseph is a man who, when the time came to take an action that declared his faith before everyone, didn’t hesitate. If we want the world to know of our faith in Jesus, our actions as Christians can speak for us as well.
Prayer
Merciful God, whose servant Joseph of Arimathea prepared the body of our Lord and Savior for burial, and laid it in his own tomb: grant to us, your faithful people, grace and courage to love and serve Jesus with sincere devotion all the days of our life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Sandie Baker
The Burial of Jesus
38 After these things, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, though a secret one because of his fear of the Jews, asked Pilate to let him take away the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission; so he came and removed his body. 39 Nicodemus, who had at first come to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, weighing about a hundred pounds. 40 They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it with the spices in linen cloths, according to the burial custom of the Jews. 41 Now there was a garden in the place where he was crucified, and in the garden there was a new tomb in which no one had ever been laid. 42 And so, because it was the Jewish day of Preparation, and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.
Who was Joseph of Arimathea?
Joseph of Arimathea is an interesting figure in the Bible. He is mentioned in all four Gospels, which tell us that he arranged for the burial of Jesus. Even so, there is not much biographical detail given in the Biblical accounts of him. It is likely that people reading the Gospels when they were first written would have had some knowledge of Joseph and his life. However, in later years, this absence of detail led to the creation of legends concerning who Joseph was and what he did during his life. One might understand these stories as attempts to make sense of who Joseph of Arimathea was and what motivated his generosity at the end of Jesus’s earthly life.
Some of these stories tell of kinship to Jesus and describe Joseph as an uncle of Jesus’s mother, Mary. As an older male relative with means, he would have been obligated to help with the burial. However, in the Gospel accounts, he is seen revealing himself as a follower who has volunteered to help. All four confirm that Joseph was a disciple, although John points out that he had kept this secret until the time of the burial.
As a devout Jew, Joseph would have known that Jewish law requires prompt burial, especially of someone who has been executed. His status as a member of the Sanhedrin gave him standing to approach Pilate with his request for the body. He and Nicodemus were willing to risk making themselves ritually unclean by touching a corpse; they prioritized the preparation of Jesus for burial.
Joseph of Arimathea’s actions spoke louder than any words he could have said about Jesus. At a time when things could not have been worse for Jesus and his followers, he stepped up and outed himself as a follower of Jesus, putting his reputation and life at risk. Other disciples had denied Jesus, run away, and were hiding; Joseph took a public step of faith for the sake of Jesus.
It can be tempting to keep belief in Jesus secret; one may want to avoid the kind of scorn and ridicule that attends to publicly professing Christian faith. What we see from Joseph is a man who, when the time came to take an action that declared his faith before everyone, didn’t hesitate. If we want the world to know of our faith in Jesus, our actions as Christians can speak for us as well.
Prayer
Merciful God, whose servant Joseph of Arimathea prepared the body of our Lord and Savior for burial, and laid it in his own tomb: grant to us, your faithful people, grace and courage to love and serve Jesus with sincere devotion all the days of our life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Sandie Baker
Good Friday - April 2, 2021
Luke 23:44-49
44 It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, 45 while the sun’s light failed; and the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46 Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” Having said this, he breathed his last. 47 When the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God and said, “Certainly this man was innocent.” 48 And when all the crowds who had gathered there for this spectacle saw what had taken place, they returned home, beating their breasts. 49 But all his acquaintances, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.
Devotional
The day had been unbelievable - the trial and now my Teacher, my friend, the one I had followed for 3 years hung on the cross. I can't even explain my feelings - lost, forsaken, abandoned, hopeless. These feelings invaded every part of my being. And then some people told me that the curtain - the curtain that separated the Holy of Holies - the curtain that separated us from God Almighty had been torn in two. This curtain that was so strong that it could not be cut was gone! What could all this mean? I just stood there staring up at this Man - this Man that held so much promise for a new life for us. Was this the end? And the centurion who said loud and clear as he praised God, "this man was innocent." How could this be? Where was God in all of this? What am I supposed to do now? How should I live?
I am sure that was the feeling of those women as they watched this drama unfold. We in the 21st Century are on the other side of this event. We know the rest of the story. We know that Good Friday is good because the story does not end in tragedy but in triumph - triumph over evil, triumph over death. However, the questions remain: What am I supposed to do now? How should I live? We have choices - to stand at a distance and just be an observer or to be a disciple - a follower of Christ. In today's world that may be tougher than it has ever been for us. Good Friday is good because it gives us hope! This is not the end, but the beginning of a new way of life - a life filled with kindness, and love and joy in the midst of everything that is going on this world. We are the disciples of Christ! We are the people of Hope! We are the face of kindness and compassion. May we always live in that knowledge.
Let us pray:
Heavenly Father, once again, we humbly remember the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made for us. We sit in silence and behold love that is beyond our understanding. We have tried the ways of the world and they have fallen short. Our lives sink into the mire of everyday living and in the silence of this day we reflect on the sacrifice that you so willingly gave for your creation. Help us to live out that sacrifice in greater love to you and in service to each other. May our love be a full and complete reflection of your sacrificial love for all. Amen
Rickey Amstutz
44 It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, 45 while the sun’s light failed; and the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46 Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” Having said this, he breathed his last. 47 When the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God and said, “Certainly this man was innocent.” 48 And when all the crowds who had gathered there for this spectacle saw what had taken place, they returned home, beating their breasts. 49 But all his acquaintances, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.
Devotional
The day had been unbelievable - the trial and now my Teacher, my friend, the one I had followed for 3 years hung on the cross. I can't even explain my feelings - lost, forsaken, abandoned, hopeless. These feelings invaded every part of my being. And then some people told me that the curtain - the curtain that separated the Holy of Holies - the curtain that separated us from God Almighty had been torn in two. This curtain that was so strong that it could not be cut was gone! What could all this mean? I just stood there staring up at this Man - this Man that held so much promise for a new life for us. Was this the end? And the centurion who said loud and clear as he praised God, "this man was innocent." How could this be? Where was God in all of this? What am I supposed to do now? How should I live?
I am sure that was the feeling of those women as they watched this drama unfold. We in the 21st Century are on the other side of this event. We know the rest of the story. We know that Good Friday is good because the story does not end in tragedy but in triumph - triumph over evil, triumph over death. However, the questions remain: What am I supposed to do now? How should I live? We have choices - to stand at a distance and just be an observer or to be a disciple - a follower of Christ. In today's world that may be tougher than it has ever been for us. Good Friday is good because it gives us hope! This is not the end, but the beginning of a new way of life - a life filled with kindness, and love and joy in the midst of everything that is going on this world. We are the disciples of Christ! We are the people of Hope! We are the face of kindness and compassion. May we always live in that knowledge.
Let us pray:
Heavenly Father, once again, we humbly remember the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made for us. We sit in silence and behold love that is beyond our understanding. We have tried the ways of the world and they have fallen short. Our lives sink into the mire of everyday living and in the silence of this day we reflect on the sacrifice that you so willingly gave for your creation. Help us to live out that sacrifice in greater love to you and in service to each other. May our love be a full and complete reflection of your sacrificial love for all. Amen
Rickey Amstutz
Holy Thursday - April 1, 2021
Luke 22:7-23
The Preparation of the Passover
7 Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. 8 So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover meal for us that we may eat it.” 9 They asked him, “Where do you want us to make preparations for it?” 10 “Listen,” he said to them, “when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you; follow him into the house he enters 11 and say to the owner of the house, ‘The teacher asks you, “Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?”’ 12 He will show you a large room upstairs, already furnished. Make preparations for us there.” 13 So they went and found everything as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover meal.
The Institution of the Lord’s Supper
14 When the hour came, he took his place at the table, and the apostles with him. 15 He said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; 16 for I tell you, I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” 17 Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves; 18 for I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19 Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. 21 But see, the one who betrays me is with me, and his hand is on the table. 22 For the Son of Man is going as it has been determined, but woe to that one by whom he is betrayed!” 23 Then they began to ask one another which one of them it could be who would do this.
In the Upper Room
If time travel was possible, I think one of the days that I would most want to be part of would be that Thursday, 2,000 years ago, when Jesus and those dearest to him gathered to celebrate the Passover.
Knowing they had that commemorative meal together has me digging around in the Old Testament to understand the meaning of all the symbolism. The solemnity of remembering the terror of the final plague on Egypt, the wonder of recounting God's protection of His people, the joy of reliving the liberation form nearly five centuries of slavery, were all part of the evening's devotions.
Reclining at table with Jesus, talking with friends and family about important things, while still being blissfully ignorant of the darkness coming at the end of that day would have been wonderful.
Luke, Matthew and Mark tell me a little about what was said by Jesus that night, but for most of my adult life, I've loved John's five chapters of his Gospel that record what was said and taught on just that one evening. The verse in the Bible that gives me absolutely the most comfort was spoken, when Jesus said, "These things I have told you, that in me, you might have peace...in this world you will find tribulation, but be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world." I'm in absolute awe of what the Lord had to say about the Holy Spirit; who He is and what He does, and what an incredible miracle it is that He actually lives in me!
The biggest thing for me is that on that last night with his closest friends, the things he wanted to leave them with must be the most important things. He gave us two essential commands that night.
That's what a "maundy" is; it's a mandate; a command.
And to me, just like the Ten Commandments, they have the absolute force of law. It's human nature to think that being commanded is a burden and to resist being bossed around. But his commands are not like that at all.
First one; remember Him. His gift of body and blood to pay for my wrongdoing. And remember Him often, as often as we can. Later on, the disciples must have understood all the ways Jesus was pictured in the Passover, and now we don't have to wait to celebrate just once a year, but we can do it all the time.
Second one; the "New Commandment". We are to love one another in the very same way He loved us and gave Himself for us. We may be living in times where obeying him in this matter will be simultaneously the bravest and the most comforting thing we could image.
I might not be able to actually be there, but reading the Word of God can transport me to that Upper Room on that Thursday with the funny name all the same.
Prayer
Eternal God, Jesus gave us a new commandment, to love one another as he loves us. Write this commandment in our hearts and give us the will to serve others as he was the servant of all. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Scott Duggins
The Preparation of the Passover
7 Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. 8 So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover meal for us that we may eat it.” 9 They asked him, “Where do you want us to make preparations for it?” 10 “Listen,” he said to them, “when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you; follow him into the house he enters 11 and say to the owner of the house, ‘The teacher asks you, “Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?”’ 12 He will show you a large room upstairs, already furnished. Make preparations for us there.” 13 So they went and found everything as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover meal.
The Institution of the Lord’s Supper
14 When the hour came, he took his place at the table, and the apostles with him. 15 He said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; 16 for I tell you, I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” 17 Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves; 18 for I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19 Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. 21 But see, the one who betrays me is with me, and his hand is on the table. 22 For the Son of Man is going as it has been determined, but woe to that one by whom he is betrayed!” 23 Then they began to ask one another which one of them it could be who would do this.
In the Upper Room
If time travel was possible, I think one of the days that I would most want to be part of would be that Thursday, 2,000 years ago, when Jesus and those dearest to him gathered to celebrate the Passover.
Knowing they had that commemorative meal together has me digging around in the Old Testament to understand the meaning of all the symbolism. The solemnity of remembering the terror of the final plague on Egypt, the wonder of recounting God's protection of His people, the joy of reliving the liberation form nearly five centuries of slavery, were all part of the evening's devotions.
Reclining at table with Jesus, talking with friends and family about important things, while still being blissfully ignorant of the darkness coming at the end of that day would have been wonderful.
Luke, Matthew and Mark tell me a little about what was said by Jesus that night, but for most of my adult life, I've loved John's five chapters of his Gospel that record what was said and taught on just that one evening. The verse in the Bible that gives me absolutely the most comfort was spoken, when Jesus said, "These things I have told you, that in me, you might have peace...in this world you will find tribulation, but be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world." I'm in absolute awe of what the Lord had to say about the Holy Spirit; who He is and what He does, and what an incredible miracle it is that He actually lives in me!
The biggest thing for me is that on that last night with his closest friends, the things he wanted to leave them with must be the most important things. He gave us two essential commands that night.
That's what a "maundy" is; it's a mandate; a command.
And to me, just like the Ten Commandments, they have the absolute force of law. It's human nature to think that being commanded is a burden and to resist being bossed around. But his commands are not like that at all.
First one; remember Him. His gift of body and blood to pay for my wrongdoing. And remember Him often, as often as we can. Later on, the disciples must have understood all the ways Jesus was pictured in the Passover, and now we don't have to wait to celebrate just once a year, but we can do it all the time.
Second one; the "New Commandment". We are to love one another in the very same way He loved us and gave Himself for us. We may be living in times where obeying him in this matter will be simultaneously the bravest and the most comforting thing we could image.
I might not be able to actually be there, but reading the Word of God can transport me to that Upper Room on that Thursday with the funny name all the same.
Prayer
Eternal God, Jesus gave us a new commandment, to love one another as he loves us. Write this commandment in our hearts and give us the will to serve others as he was the servant of all. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Scott Duggins
Wednesday of Holy Week – March 31, 2021
Mark 14:3-9
3 While he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at the table, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very costly ointment of nard, and she broke open the jar and poured the ointment on his head. 4 But some were there who said to one another in anger, “Why was the ointment wasted in this way? 5 For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii, and the money given to the poor.” And they scolded her. 6 But Jesus said, “Let her alone; why do you trouble her? She has performed a good service for me. 7 For you always have the poor with you, and you can show kindness to them whenever you wish; but you will not always have me. 8 She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for its burial. 9 Truly I tell you, wherever the good news is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in remembrance of her.”
Jesus Anointed by Mary
Jesus was a different type of teacher. His words and actions confused the disciples and outraged religious leaders. Peter was angry with Jesus when Jesus predicted his crucifixion and resurrection. When Jesus said, “Destroy this temple and I will raise it in three days” the religious leaders knew they had to eliminate this Jesus problem.
Jesus was at a dinner given in his honor. This was for men only, as was the custom of the era. The guest of honor would be anointed with a few drops of perfume. During the dinner an uninvited woman walks in. John identifies her as Mary, the sister of Lazarus and Martha. Scandal and outrage. Men and women did not intermingle. EVER.
The woman had a jar of perfume, made with nard from India. Very expensive perfume. Mary broke the bottle and poured the contents over Jesus’ head. Now some of the guests are angrier. Some were furious that the money wasn’t spent on the poor. Did they really think that? Or was this just an excuse to vent?
But, Jesus came to her defense. Told the guests, and us, this act will never be forgotten. And he once again told his disciples and other believers he was going to die soon.
No doubt, some of the guests felt a woman outdid a man with the amount of perfume used, not understanding the significance of her action. But Mary did. Mary heard and believed her Master’s words about his upcoming death. While Martha was a doer, and we do need more people like her, Mary was an eager listener. This was her act of love and faith to the person she held dearest.
If we are honest with ourselves, and each other, we are everyone at this dinner. We get upset when we feel like “our” church does something we don’t agree with. We get offended over a slight or insult, when it may not have occurred. But our devotion should be like what Mary did for her Savior. This was an act of unconditional love without expecting anything in return. How much are we willing to give to Jesus?
Prayer
Lord, may I follow the example of Mary. Help me to humble myself before you and honor you with my whole life; help me to love and worship you with my whole being. I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Dan Baker
3 While he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at the table, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very costly ointment of nard, and she broke open the jar and poured the ointment on his head. 4 But some were there who said to one another in anger, “Why was the ointment wasted in this way? 5 For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii, and the money given to the poor.” And they scolded her. 6 But Jesus said, “Let her alone; why do you trouble her? She has performed a good service for me. 7 For you always have the poor with you, and you can show kindness to them whenever you wish; but you will not always have me. 8 She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for its burial. 9 Truly I tell you, wherever the good news is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in remembrance of her.”
Jesus Anointed by Mary
Jesus was a different type of teacher. His words and actions confused the disciples and outraged religious leaders. Peter was angry with Jesus when Jesus predicted his crucifixion and resurrection. When Jesus said, “Destroy this temple and I will raise it in three days” the religious leaders knew they had to eliminate this Jesus problem.
Jesus was at a dinner given in his honor. This was for men only, as was the custom of the era. The guest of honor would be anointed with a few drops of perfume. During the dinner an uninvited woman walks in. John identifies her as Mary, the sister of Lazarus and Martha. Scandal and outrage. Men and women did not intermingle. EVER.
The woman had a jar of perfume, made with nard from India. Very expensive perfume. Mary broke the bottle and poured the contents over Jesus’ head. Now some of the guests are angrier. Some were furious that the money wasn’t spent on the poor. Did they really think that? Or was this just an excuse to vent?
But, Jesus came to her defense. Told the guests, and us, this act will never be forgotten. And he once again told his disciples and other believers he was going to die soon.
No doubt, some of the guests felt a woman outdid a man with the amount of perfume used, not understanding the significance of her action. But Mary did. Mary heard and believed her Master’s words about his upcoming death. While Martha was a doer, and we do need more people like her, Mary was an eager listener. This was her act of love and faith to the person she held dearest.
If we are honest with ourselves, and each other, we are everyone at this dinner. We get upset when we feel like “our” church does something we don’t agree with. We get offended over a slight or insult, when it may not have occurred. But our devotion should be like what Mary did for her Savior. This was an act of unconditional love without expecting anything in return. How much are we willing to give to Jesus?
Prayer
Lord, may I follow the example of Mary. Help me to humble myself before you and honor you with my whole life; help me to love and worship you with my whole being. I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Dan Baker
Tuesday of Holy Week – March 30, 2021
Luke 10:25-37
The Parable of the Good Samaritan
25 Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he said, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 He said to him, “What is written in the law? What do you read there?” 27 He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” 28 And he said to him, “You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.”
29 But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30 Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.’ 36 Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” 37 He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”
Compassion is Costly
You help someone who didn't thank you, never returned your kindness, and your paths never cross again. Your compassion cost you a lot!
Our scripture reading for this Tuesday of Holy Week describes the Samaritan who rescued a man while on his way to Jericho. The man was beaten, stripped of his clothing, robbed and left out on the road to die. Two other men, a Jewish priest and a Levite saw the man in dire need and yet crossed to the other side of the road and continued on their way. The Samaritan however, saw the beaten and bloody man and stopped. He tended to his wounds, placed him upon his own animal and led him to an inn for shelter and healing. The Samaritan even put down money for the injured man's continued care and promised the innkeeper that he would pay any additional debts to restore the man to health. It is implied that the Samaritan wasn't thanked or repaid for his help.
Why did the Samaritan stop and help the half-dead man while the two religious leaders refused to do anything? What motivates people to help others by opening their hearts and wallets and taking time out of their schedules to help someone else in need? The answer - Compassion!
In this parable we are all being called to live with and to serve others with the kind of compassion that God has shown us in His Son, Jesus Christ. He came to help us and restore our souls when we were broken, even though we were his enemies (Romans 5:10).
To be a good neighbor is a righteous choice and often costly. Yet it's God's commandment: "you are to love the Lord your God with (every fiber of your being), and your neighbor as yourself." Feeling sorry for others in need simply isn't enough. We are called to action. Stories on television and in the media about good deeds done for people in need are uplifting and relevant. And as Christians, we realize that they are following the example of the Samaritan.
It is very difficult and costly to love our neighbor with our whole heart. Yet when we ask in prayer for God's help, nothing is impossible. We can humble ourselves to live more each day like the Samaritan. By God's grace, we can be more Christlike.
Compassion is our choice!
Psalm 34
Prayer
Gracious and Loving God,
Grant us the spirit of compassion. Let us be mindful of the needs of others without judgement or condemnation. Let us not be afraid to lovingly serve our neighbors, expecting nothing in return. Fill us with mercy, like that of the Samaritan, today and always. In Jesus name. Amen.
Melissa Hurley
The Parable of the Good Samaritan
25 Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he said, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 He said to him, “What is written in the law? What do you read there?” 27 He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” 28 And he said to him, “You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.”
29 But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30 Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.’ 36 Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” 37 He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”
Compassion is Costly
You help someone who didn't thank you, never returned your kindness, and your paths never cross again. Your compassion cost you a lot!
Our scripture reading for this Tuesday of Holy Week describes the Samaritan who rescued a man while on his way to Jericho. The man was beaten, stripped of his clothing, robbed and left out on the road to die. Two other men, a Jewish priest and a Levite saw the man in dire need and yet crossed to the other side of the road and continued on their way. The Samaritan however, saw the beaten and bloody man and stopped. He tended to his wounds, placed him upon his own animal and led him to an inn for shelter and healing. The Samaritan even put down money for the injured man's continued care and promised the innkeeper that he would pay any additional debts to restore the man to health. It is implied that the Samaritan wasn't thanked or repaid for his help.
Why did the Samaritan stop and help the half-dead man while the two religious leaders refused to do anything? What motivates people to help others by opening their hearts and wallets and taking time out of their schedules to help someone else in need? The answer - Compassion!
In this parable we are all being called to live with and to serve others with the kind of compassion that God has shown us in His Son, Jesus Christ. He came to help us and restore our souls when we were broken, even though we were his enemies (Romans 5:10).
To be a good neighbor is a righteous choice and often costly. Yet it's God's commandment: "you are to love the Lord your God with (every fiber of your being), and your neighbor as yourself." Feeling sorry for others in need simply isn't enough. We are called to action. Stories on television and in the media about good deeds done for people in need are uplifting and relevant. And as Christians, we realize that they are following the example of the Samaritan.
It is very difficult and costly to love our neighbor with our whole heart. Yet when we ask in prayer for God's help, nothing is impossible. We can humble ourselves to live more each day like the Samaritan. By God's grace, we can be more Christlike.
Compassion is our choice!
Psalm 34
Prayer
Gracious and Loving God,
Grant us the spirit of compassion. Let us be mindful of the needs of others without judgement or condemnation. Let us not be afraid to lovingly serve our neighbors, expecting nothing in return. Fill us with mercy, like that of the Samaritan, today and always. In Jesus name. Amen.
Melissa Hurley
Monday of Holy Week – March 29, 2021
Luke 19:45-48
Jesus Cleanses the Temple
45 Then he entered the temple and began to drive out those who were selling things there; 46 and he said, “It is written, ‘My house shall be a house of prayer’; but you have made it a den of robbers.” 47 Every day he was teaching in the temple. The chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people kept looking for a way to kill him; 48 but they did not find anything they could do, for all the people were spellbound by what they heard.
Righteous Anger
If a key aspect of your understanding of Jesus is that he was meek and mild, a perpetually nice person who would never express frustration, let alone anger, then this glimpse of Jesus in the last week of his life is going to be a bit of a shock.
Recently, I was engaged in a discussion with some members of our church family, one of whom went on to make the comment that there are people who seem constantly flustered and frustrated and never manage to express their opinions in a voice below 80 decibels.
Translation: some people yell an awful lot, so much so that if you are around them enough, you actually start to turn them off. And then there are others who are quiet, who seem incapable of raising their voices until all of a sudden, something of great consequence happens or doesn't happen and low and behold, you see another side of them that you never knew existed. A passion for righting some wrong, of confronting some injustice that could potentially be visited upon innocent people. Such is the case with Jesus today.
As I think about it, the issue for us isn't anger per se, it is how it is used. A temper tantrum, flying off into some blind rage ultimately does nothing, save an awful lot of damage to persons and property and yes, your reputation. I mean, you just might end up being one those people that others simply don't listen to anymore.
Anger, or more specifically, righteous anger that rises up out of some confrontation with "oh that's just the way it is and will always be" can potentially become a creative and lifegiving force. Think of Martin Luther, of William Wilberforce who fought to end slavery in the British
empire and of course, Martin Luther King. All three men were angry and for some very good reasons, but their anger ultimately brought about much needed change that has so richly blessed us today.
Picture it ...Jesus with a whip in his hand bringing chaos to business as usual in the outer court of the gentiles. This is no childish stomping of the feet. This is a prophetic act, a bold call to bring down the whole sordid system that takes advantage of the poor. In fact, if we glimpse over at St. John's telling of this story, the Temple itself is being replaced, it will no longer be the place of God's dwelling. Of course, if that is so then the question is where or in whom will God dwell with his people? Now for that answer, we will have to keep walking together in the direction of Sunday.
Isaiah 49:1-7
1 Corinthians 1:18-31
Prayer
Faithful God, we rejoice that you have come to dwell with us in Jesus. In this holiest of weeks, keep us close to him and enable us to use our frustration and even our anger in creative, lifegiving ways to bear witness to Him. Amen.
Pastor Oberle
Jesus Cleanses the Temple
45 Then he entered the temple and began to drive out those who were selling things there; 46 and he said, “It is written, ‘My house shall be a house of prayer’; but you have made it a den of robbers.” 47 Every day he was teaching in the temple. The chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people kept looking for a way to kill him; 48 but they did not find anything they could do, for all the people were spellbound by what they heard.
Righteous Anger
If a key aspect of your understanding of Jesus is that he was meek and mild, a perpetually nice person who would never express frustration, let alone anger, then this glimpse of Jesus in the last week of his life is going to be a bit of a shock.
Recently, I was engaged in a discussion with some members of our church family, one of whom went on to make the comment that there are people who seem constantly flustered and frustrated and never manage to express their opinions in a voice below 80 decibels.
Translation: some people yell an awful lot, so much so that if you are around them enough, you actually start to turn them off. And then there are others who are quiet, who seem incapable of raising their voices until all of a sudden, something of great consequence happens or doesn't happen and low and behold, you see another side of them that you never knew existed. A passion for righting some wrong, of confronting some injustice that could potentially be visited upon innocent people. Such is the case with Jesus today.
As I think about it, the issue for us isn't anger per se, it is how it is used. A temper tantrum, flying off into some blind rage ultimately does nothing, save an awful lot of damage to persons and property and yes, your reputation. I mean, you just might end up being one those people that others simply don't listen to anymore.
Anger, or more specifically, righteous anger that rises up out of some confrontation with "oh that's just the way it is and will always be" can potentially become a creative and lifegiving force. Think of Martin Luther, of William Wilberforce who fought to end slavery in the British
empire and of course, Martin Luther King. All three men were angry and for some very good reasons, but their anger ultimately brought about much needed change that has so richly blessed us today.
Picture it ...Jesus with a whip in his hand bringing chaos to business as usual in the outer court of the gentiles. This is no childish stomping of the feet. This is a prophetic act, a bold call to bring down the whole sordid system that takes advantage of the poor. In fact, if we glimpse over at St. John's telling of this story, the Temple itself is being replaced, it will no longer be the place of God's dwelling. Of course, if that is so then the question is where or in whom will God dwell with his people? Now for that answer, we will have to keep walking together in the direction of Sunday.
Isaiah 49:1-7
1 Corinthians 1:18-31
Prayer
Faithful God, we rejoice that you have come to dwell with us in Jesus. In this holiest of weeks, keep us close to him and enable us to use our frustration and even our anger in creative, lifegiving ways to bear witness to Him. Amen.
Pastor Oberle
Palm Sunday - March 28, 2021
Matthew 21:1-11
Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
1 When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 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. 3 If anyone says anything to you, just say this, ‘The Lord needs them.’ And he will send them immediately.” 4 This took place to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet, saying, 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.” 6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; 7 they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. 8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 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!” 10 When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, “Who is this?” 11 The crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.”
Friends of St. Mark Lutheran, we have come to the last week of our Lord’s earthly life, when he made his appearance in Jerusalem as Messiah, and where he suffered the penalty of death for us sinners. This is regarded as the first day of the Holy Week, and is called Palm Sunday. He had probably gone straight from Jericho to Bethany, and spent the sabbath there with his friends, his disciples. St. Mark explains the deliberate preparation for the procession, and the intentional publicity, so contrary to Christ’s usual habits, very remarkable, and can be explained only by the fact that he was now assuming the character and claims of the Messiah, and putting himself forward in his true dignity as the “King of the Jews”. By this display manifested in him, that the prophecy was fulfilled, and that the seeing eye and the believing heart might now find all that the righteous had longed for. This was the great opportunity which his mercy offered to Jerusalem. In fact, she acknowledged him as King one day, and then rejected him and crucified him. It must, indeed, have been a humbling experience for our Lord himself to be ushered into Jerusalem on a donkey, by a crowd whose loud hosannas rang. Such is the homage a perfect life has won. Jerusalem, all the city, I feel was moved; some perhaps were moved with pure joy, who waited for the Consolation of Israel; others, of the Pharisees, were moved with envy. So various are the motions of in the minds of people on the approach of Christ’s kingdom. Jesus comes to deal with our biggest problem, the underlying problem that produces all our problems, the ones we see and the ones we fail to see, realize or admit. And that big problem is our sin. Oh, not just the sins of those other people, the bad people, the immoral people, the people we look down upon sometimes. But our sins, the sins of us good and respectable Christian people, God’s people. This is why Jesus is the answer to our prayers and should always be the recipient of our praise. This is why we say “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!”
Prayer
Heavenly Father, search our hearts and see if there are any wicked ways in us that dishonor you or others. Help us to learn how to live for you and you alone. I pray that you would open our hearts to a greater understanding of your Word, so that we may grow in grace, love, and knowledge of you. I ask all of this in Jesus’ name. AMEN
Robert Brannon, LLM
Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
1 When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 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. 3 If anyone says anything to you, just say this, ‘The Lord needs them.’ And he will send them immediately.” 4 This took place to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet, saying, 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.” 6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; 7 they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. 8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 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!” 10 When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, “Who is this?” 11 The crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.”
Friends of St. Mark Lutheran, we have come to the last week of our Lord’s earthly life, when he made his appearance in Jerusalem as Messiah, and where he suffered the penalty of death for us sinners. This is regarded as the first day of the Holy Week, and is called Palm Sunday. He had probably gone straight from Jericho to Bethany, and spent the sabbath there with his friends, his disciples. St. Mark explains the deliberate preparation for the procession, and the intentional publicity, so contrary to Christ’s usual habits, very remarkable, and can be explained only by the fact that he was now assuming the character and claims of the Messiah, and putting himself forward in his true dignity as the “King of the Jews”. By this display manifested in him, that the prophecy was fulfilled, and that the seeing eye and the believing heart might now find all that the righteous had longed for. This was the great opportunity which his mercy offered to Jerusalem. In fact, she acknowledged him as King one day, and then rejected him and crucified him. It must, indeed, have been a humbling experience for our Lord himself to be ushered into Jerusalem on a donkey, by a crowd whose loud hosannas rang. Such is the homage a perfect life has won. Jerusalem, all the city, I feel was moved; some perhaps were moved with pure joy, who waited for the Consolation of Israel; others, of the Pharisees, were moved with envy. So various are the motions of in the minds of people on the approach of Christ’s kingdom. Jesus comes to deal with our biggest problem, the underlying problem that produces all our problems, the ones we see and the ones we fail to see, realize or admit. And that big problem is our sin. Oh, not just the sins of those other people, the bad people, the immoral people, the people we look down upon sometimes. But our sins, the sins of us good and respectable Christian people, God’s people. This is why Jesus is the answer to our prayers and should always be the recipient of our praise. This is why we say “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!”
Prayer
Heavenly Father, search our hearts and see if there are any wicked ways in us that dishonor you or others. Help us to learn how to live for you and you alone. I pray that you would open our hearts to a greater understanding of your Word, so that we may grow in grace, love, and knowledge of you. I ask all of this in Jesus’ name. AMEN
Robert Brannon, LLM