March 25, 2018 Sunday

“Now when they drew near Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, He sent two of His disciples; and He said to them, “Go into the village opposite you; and as soon as you have entered it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has sat. Loose it and bring it. “And if anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord has need of it,’ and immediately he will send it here.” So they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door outside on the street, and they loosed it. But some of those who stood there said to them, “What are you doing, loosing the colt?” And they spoke to them just as Jesus had commanded. So they let them go. Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their clothes on it, and He sat on it. And many spread their clothes on the road, and others cut down leafy branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Then those who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: “Hosanna! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!’ Blessed is the kingdom of our father David That comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” And Jesus went into Jerusalem and into the temple. So when He had looked around at all things, as the hour was already late, He went out to Bethany with the twelve.” (Mark 11:1-11 NKJV)

“But Pilate answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” For he knew that the chief priests had handed Him over because of envy. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd, so that he should rather release Barabbas to them. Pilate answered and said to them again, “What then do you want me to do with Him whom you call the King of the Jews?” So they cried out again, “Crucify Him!” Then Pilate said to them, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they cried out all the more, “Crucify Him!”” (Mark 15:9-14 NKJV)

            Palm/Passion Sunday seems difficult to many but there really is a natural flow to it.  The Bible teaches that Jesus coming into Jerusalem was an exciting celebration of the Messiah entering Jerusalem while the final exit of Jesus would be to jeering and end in his crucifixion.

            Palm/Passion Sunday is also a reminder of the duplicity of humanity as it is probable that some of the same people who shouted Hosanna on one day would shout crucify Him on another!

            Palm/Passion Sunday is a terrifying reminder of the need for the Passion of Jesus to make us a people of praise rather than a people of death.  God does this by reminding us of the forgiveness offered to those who cry out “Crucify Him!”

            Palm/Passion Sunday is a reminder that it took the best of God to overcome the worst of humanity!  It is a reminder that it took the love of God to overcome the ferocity of humanity!  It is a reminder of what is in the heart of every human being and the power of the sacrifice of Jesus to change us.

            In one Sunday we are forced to see how our best intentions without the love of God turn into nightmares that can destroy nations as well as people.  This Sunday is a reminder of our willingness to destroy someone else rather than look at our own sin!

            In short, Palm/Passion Sunday is a reminder that we need the very God we crucified in our own lives if we are ever to be free from our sin and even ourselves!

            Are you quick to cry out for crucifixion of others while still wanting forgiveness for yourself?  Do you shout Hosanna on Sunday and crucify the rest of the week?  Will you allow the God who you screamed for His death to become your life?

            I was able to go to worship but I was worn out by the effort.  It was a very good service.  Pastor Ashley seems to be doing a good job.  Pastor Lloyd seems to be doing a good job at First Jeff also.  It is so good to see God putting the people and congregations I love into such good hands.  It is interesting that both congregations will have Foot Washing during Holy Week.  When I started I was one of only a few who held Foot Washing.  Rev Alton Smith (Bonnie’s Grandfather) taught me about Foot Washing.