“When Jesus and his followers approached Jerusalem, they came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives. Jesus gave two disciples a task, saying to them, “Go into the village over there. As soon as you enter it, you will find tied up there a colt that no one has ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘Its master needs it, and he will send it back right away.’ ” They went and found a colt tied to a gate outside on the street, and they untied it. Some people standing around said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” They told them just what Jesus said, and they left them alone. They brought the colt to Jesus and threw their clothes upon it, and he sat on it. Many people spread out their clothes on the road while others spread branches cut from the fields. Those in front of him and those following were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessings on the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest!” Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple. After he looked around at everything, because it was already late in the evening, he returned to Bethany with the Twelve.” (Mark 11:1–11, CEB)
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Interacting with this Easter narrative of Jesus, re-reading how he makes his way into Jerusalem, is like trying to push through a cheering crowd, tightly packed. Where to go? What direction to turn? What lies ahead? It’s confusing. Anticipation builds. What will unfold?
Trusting in God’s providence solidifies, strengthens, sustains our calling. Despite any underlying feeling of being out of control, pushed and shoved forward through the place where Jesus is admired, applauded, acclaimed… ultimately accused, assailed, arrested; condemned, chastened, crucified, we also gain a growing awareness that despite being jostled, swept along, we come to the place where we become an eventual, effectual witness to…
the resurrection.
Pastor Rich Wagner
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Palm Sunday -- March 24, 2024
Worship: 9:30 am
Scripture Readings
Psalm Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29
Gospel Mark 11:1-11