Palm Sunday: Introduction to Holy Week
Open Your Bible
Matthew 21:1-11
BY She Reads Truth
Text: Matthew 21:1-11
If you grew up with Bible stories, you know the challenge it is to read a familiar passage of Scripture with fresh eyes. When we come to a story like the Good Samaritan or Noah and the flood, our task, as Bible scholar Kenneth Bailey used to say, is to “rescue truth from the jaws of familiarity.”
So it is with the Easter story. Most everyone knows Jesus died on the cross. It is one of those facts essential to the story, like how we know the Titanic sank or that Lincoln was shot in a theater. But the story of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection is drenched in details of remarkably significant insight which affect not only what we understand about the story, but also about Jesus Himself.
How clear are you on the foundational story of Jesus’ death and resurrection? If you are a Christian, your confession is that Jesus died in your place and paid for your sins with His death. But why was He crucified? Was He a martyr? How secure did He make your salvation?
Prior to His arrest, Jesus said, “No one takes [My life] from Me, but I lay it down on My own. I have the right to lay it down, and I have the right to take it up again” (John 10:18). This was not simply a passing statement. It was a promise that Jesus was going to the cross on purpose.
During this last week of Lent, as we make our way through the final chapters of Isaiah, our supplemental readings will trace, in real time, the path Jesus walked that last week of His earthly ministry. On Monday, we will read what happened on the Monday before the Resurrection, on Tuesday we will read what happened on Tuesday of that week, and so on.
Our hope as we read these scriptures is that we would know Christ better through the careful study of His Word, and that we would understand that His death and resurrection were purposefully endured for our salvation. His victory over death frees us to serve Him with vigor in this life, secure in the salvation He has accomplished.
As you read, see how He laid His life down. He did this for you.
34 thoughts on "Palm Sunday: Introduction to Holy Week"
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“His victory over death frees us to serve Him with vigor in this life, secure in the salvation He has accomplished.”
When I know I’m secure, I’m bound to attempt more impossible feats. Father, make this victory, this security, real to my heart. May I respond in faithful, trusting obedience.
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I want to be moved this Easter. Lord let it not be just another year/another story
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Oh,Lord, stir our hearts up for You!
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My pastor said this morning how the same people who screamed “Hosanna!” on Sunday would scream “Crucify him!” on Friday. Wow. It’s just like me cause it takes that amount or even less time for my to forget God’s promises. But He still died for me, died for the people who turned away for Him. But He still knew that despite our sin, there would be the chance of us turning back towards Jesus and learning to build a relationship and accept His love. Thank you Jesus for not giving up on me!
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My family is still in the process of learning to participate in church as members, not as leaders. For my whole life my dad was a worship pastor. 20 years non stop. Sunday was a work day. And usually we were involved in it as well in one capacity or another. It would be an understatement to say we’re burnt out on church ministry. Im still trying to figure out how to do Easter and Christmas from the congregation, not the stage.
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That’s very interesting! I’m sure it is undoubtedly different. Praying for your peace and an open mind and heart to how new leaders carry out the ministry–especially on such special holidays ♥
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May you and family receive lots of blessings in serving the community through your ‘regular’ membership!
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I am familiar with what you are experiencing. I was worship leader for 10 years. The season of rest has allowed me to rekindle my personal worship and relationship with Jesus. He knows what you need before you ask. Enjoy this season.
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