The Triumph and the Turning

As we begin Holy Week by commemorating Palm Sunday, I wondered what could be said about a story we know very well. Jesus made a triumphant entry into Jerusalem, but before the week was over, a crowd was shouting, “Crucify him!” and he was given over to the authorities to be executed. We have the benefit of hindsight; we know that all these things had to happen for God's plan to be fulfilled. Jesus said, “Put your sword back in its place...for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?” (Matthew 26:52-54).

But what of the people of that time who didn't have the knowledge we have today? What happened between Palm Sunday, when they were waving palm branches and laying their cloaks in His path, and that night in the garden of Gethsemane, when they came with swords and clubs to arrest Him? Why did they wait to seize Him until they were armed and in darkness when He had been in plain sight all week? And is there anything about how the people responded on Palm Sunday and its aftermath that we should take heed of today?

I look forward to sharing the exciting and enlightening story of Jesus' last week of ministry before He went to the cross. Before we get into the Word, I will briefly update you on the church's financial situation, as I promised last week. There are still many more questions than answers, but I want to explain where we are, how we got there, how we should have reported it and will report it going forward, and what it means from our current vantage point. I hope to see you this Sunday!

Blessings,

Ron