Pastor Danny’s message
8 A very large crowd[b] 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.’
Matthew 21:8-10
We just came from a month of celebrating as many as three birthdays in our church! The preparations included balloons, cake, food, candles, the works! Similarly Jesus enters Jerusalem and people are overjoyed! It is always puzzling and urgent that Palm Sunday comes and is celebrated in the same week of Holy Thursday and Good Friday! All these crowds who chose Jesus as Messiah will eventually turn on Him!
We are on a journey where we have been asked to not believe anything is too late. It is not too late to get on that diet! It is not too late to hear God’s voice! It is not too late for forgiveness. This past Thursday we shared about Peter’s denial moment (which brings us to the Good Friday story).
Jesus knows the crowd will turn on him and yet still chooses to enter Jerusalem! He enters for those like Peter who will deny Him. He enters for the betrayers like the soldiers who Peter cut the ear of; the betrayal of Judas who in his celebration turns and kisses the cheek- an intimate experience and yet met with such betrayal! We have spent our weeks (about two now) focused on the sacrifice so we can be closer with Jesus; focused on the nail that places Him on the cross.
But, there is victory!
Jesus chooses to enter the locked doors! Jesus chooses to enter Jerusalem for YOU and for me! Jesus chooses to overlook the betrayers so that He can welcome us into heaven! As we get closer to Palm Sunday- don’t forget all that we really are celebrating! We are celebrating that Jesus chose US! He looked beyond our flaws- and saw beautiful souls in spite of their flaws! HE gives so that WE may be free! He walks into Jerusalem and rightfully so he has every reason to be welcomed with palm branches! Let us remember - he doesn’t choose the gold stallion to enter in! He chooses a humble servant, a colt to enter into our space and remind us of HIS power and love for US! Continue to be in this season of grace and mercy!
-Pastor Danny