Holy Week is a special time. We will gather for worship on Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and then celebrate Jesus’ resurrection on Easter morning. The week moves from celebration to sadness and back to joy again. It begins with Palm Sunday.
On Palm Sunday, we remember Jesus’ procession into Jerusalem and we symbolically process with Jesus. Actually, our Sunday School children will join the parade at the 9:00 service on Palm Sunday, processing through the worship space at the beginning of the worship service. The rest of us will join in the celebration by waving palms and singing. We will celebrate that Jesus came to live for all people, and die for all people, and rise again that all may have the hope of true life—today, tomorrow, and forever.
In the Gospel of Luke, as we hear about Palm Sunday, most of the story is spent talking about the two disciples who went to get the colt for Jesus to ride. As Jesus sent the two disciples, he told them that if anyone asks them why they are untying the colt, just say “The Lord needs it.” Sure enough, the owners asked and the disciples responded “The Lord needs it,” and took it to Jesus. I’ve always wondered if they took it back to the owners when they were done. I like to think they did.
It makes me wonder what the Lord needs from me. I wonder what the Lord needs from you. We probably don’t have a lot of donkey colts to give Jesus for a parade, but each of us has gifts to give. Each of us has the ability to reflect God’s love. When the Holy Spirit nudges you to give of your time, talent, or possessions, how will you respond? I pray that we will be ready to graciously share what God has first given to us.
I look forward to Holy Week with you—beginning with Palm Sunday.
In Christ,
Pastor John
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