SEVEN DAYS TO EASTER!
Reading for today:
Matthew 21:1-11
Mark 11:1-11
Luke 19:28-44
John 12:12-19
Zechariah 9:9
Psalm 118:25-26
Matthew 21:17
We know exactly where Jesus was on this particular Sunday. He left Bethany, heading toward Bethphage - and ultimately to Jerusalem. On his way, he sent his disciples ahead to the small village of Bethphage to keep a divine appointment with a donkey's colt.
Zechariah prophesied this event 500 years before Jesus rode into Jerusalem from Bethphage. His prophecy was one of the reasons the Jewish people were looking for their Messiah. And by Jesus' fulfillment of that prophecy, He was visibly and boldly proclaiming that He was the One who was prophesied to come - and in that moment they believed that!
The crowd was comprised of those who had heard of the miracle of Lazarus' being raised from the dead. Their promised King had come. Their response was to wave palm branches, and lay their coats down as a sign of homage - and shout: "Hosanna! (Save us!) Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Blessed is the King of Israel. Hosanna in the highest. Peace in heaven and glory in the highest."
He was lauded at his birth when the shepherds heard a myriad of angels sing - and now he is lauded again - this time by men.
I love Zechariah's prophecy: "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt the foal of a donkey."
I love clue hunts. They had all the clues - and for a moment many believed, exalted Him, and gave Him the praise and honor He was due. But just as certainly as that opportunity was present, the Pharisees could think of nothing but destroying Him. Those who were the most religious were the most blind.
Unfortunately, they had a script of just what the Messiah was going to do as King - and Jesus didn't fit their script. Not then. That part is yet to be fulfilled.
They wanted Jesus to stop his disciples from declaring His praises, and Jesus replied, "I tell you, if they keep quiet the stones will cry out." The very earth agonized at what was to come and praise was a prerequisite.
As Jesus approached Jerusalem with his adoring entourage, he wept over the city. I can hear the grief in his voice as I read what Luke records him saying, "If you...had only known on this day what would bring you peace - - but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God's coming to you."
WOW!
Mark tells us that Jesus went to the temple - but it was late, so he returned to Bethany with his 12 disciples. That makes me pay attention. It reminds me that Judas was with him, hearing all of the clamor - - and the discontent of the Pharisees....so close, yet so far....
It had been quite a day. Jesus' focus was on the purpose for which He was born. Satan had tempted him with political power after his 40 days in the desert just prior to his earthly ministry. We are not given any indication that He had any temptation here - but we do know he was fully human as well as fully God - and that he experienced all of the same emotions we do. Thankfully for us, his will was set to do the Father's will - but it sure could have been appealing to respond to the adulation and become the savior they wanted instead of the Savior they needed!
On the Jewish calendar the day was Nisan 10. History recounts that this was the day pilgrims presented their Passover lamb for inspection. The lamb had to be perfect: spotless, with no defect. They would live with the lamb in their careful care until they killed it to bear their sins just a few days hence.
Our Perfect Lamb presented himself as well that day. Jesus had waited to come up to Jerusalem until just the right time. He had stayed away, avoiding confrontation until precisely the right moment. Now the time had come. What John the Baptist proclaimed when he saw Jesus 3 years earlier was being fulfilled. When John saw Jesus coming toward him near Bethany where he was baptizing at the River Jordan, he said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!"
Today in Jesus' journey we too proclaim, "Look, the Lamb of God...." The perfect Lamb.
Humor for today: More bulletin bloopers:
Miss Charlene Mason sang, "I will not pass this way again," giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.
Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get.
The Rector will preach his final message after which the choir will sing, "Break forth into Joy."
A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow.
At the evening service tonight the sermon topic will be "What is Hell?" Come early and listen to our choir practice.
Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.
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