Hosanna and Hallelujah!

THIS WEEK’S GOSPEL: LUKE 19:28-40 (MESSAGE)

After saying these things, Jesus headed straight up to Jerusalem. When he got near Bethphage and Bethany at the mountain called Olives, he sent off two of the disciples with instructions: “Go to the village across from you. As soon as you enter, you’ll find a colt tethered, one that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it. If anyone says anything, asks, ‘What are you doing?’ say, ‘His Master needs him.’” The two left and found it just as he said. As they were untying the colt, its owners said, “What are you doing untying the colt?” They said, “His Master needs him.” 

They brought the colt to Jesus. Then, throwing their coats on its back, they helped Jesus get on. As he rode, the people gave him a grand welcome, throwing their coats on the street. Right at the crest, where Mount Olives begins its descent, the whole crowd of disciples burst into enthusiastic praise over all the mighty works they had witnessed:

Blessed is he who comes,

    the king in God’s name!

All’s well in heaven!

    Glory in the high places!

Some Pharisees from the crowd told him, “Teacher, get your disciples under control!” But he said, “If they kept quiet, the stones would do it for them, shouting praise.”

After a season of restraint and discipline, holy week begins our journey to the cross and beyond with shouts hosannas and hallelujahs. 

Reflecting on our journey for the last five weeks, what have you learned about yourself?  What have you been able to set aside?  What has continued to nag at you?  Where have you seen and experienced God?  What are you bringing with you into this holy week?  What are you looking for as we approach Easter?  What are the hosannas and hallelujahs in your life?  When we name the celebrations in our lives, we are better able to approach those places and things that are difficult knowing that resurrection and new life are also ahead of us.

Please join us this Sunday, March 24 at 9:45am in Christ Church as we join the crowd with shouts of hosanna and hallelujah and as our children lead us in worship reminding us of the importance of the week we are about to enter.