This Sunday we, along with Christ’s church around the world, enter into Holy Week, or Passion Week. We remember Jesus’ final days in Jerusalem leading up to his suffering and death the cross, which we celebrate on Good Friday, and culminating with his glorious resurrection, which we celebrate on Easter Sunday. But before he suffered as common criminal, he entered the city welcomed and worshiped by a multitude of disciples as the Christ of God.
As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” (Luke 19:37–38)
We call this Palm Sunday, remembering the way Jesus was praised with waving palm branches as God’s promised Deliverer and conquering King. But this Palm Sunday we won’t be preaching on Jesus’ Triumphal Entry, but on what Jesus had said would transpire when He did enter Jerusalem that day. We get a hint of it at the Triumphal Entry in the Pharisees’ angry words to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” but they seem to have forgotten Jesus’ earlier warning, at least for the moment.
“Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men.”
But they did not understand this saying… and they were afraid to ask him about this saying. (Luke 9:43–45)
Our preaching through this Holy Week will center around this word, deliver.
The Deliverer would be “delivered into the hands of men” (Palm Sunday, Rob Lister) to be “delivered up for our trespasses” (Good Friday, Randall Gruendyke) that he might destroy death and “deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.” (Easter Sunday, Erik Thoennes) Would you pray for each as they prepare?
Kenny Clark and Walt Harrah will be leading our sung worship throughout the week along with our gifted team of musicians. Would you pray for all these preparations, too?
These will be great opportunities to invite someone you know who has not yet come to know Jesus as Savior and Lord. We have good news of great joy for all people to share. Let’s not only be praying for all who will join us to hear it this coming week, but also be praying and seeking opportunities to extend invitations to those God has placed in your life. See you this Sunday (and this week), Grace. Come hungry!
Song Link of the Week
Jerusalem by CityAlight
See Him in Jerusalem
Walking where the crowds are
Once these streets had sung to Him
Now they cry for murder
Such a frail and lonely man
Holding up the heavy cross
See Him walking in Jerusalem
On the road to save us