People love parades.  From Tucson's Rodeo parade to the Disney parades daily (and sometimes several times throughout the day), people love parades.

Jesus entered Jerusalem in his final week of his earthly life, riding on the donkey, and suddenly it became a parade.

Some started cutting soft branches of trees and laying them on the ground, others took off their outer cloaks and laid them on the ground.   It was like a royal carpet laying out for him (and the donkey).

Can't you just see him waving to the crowds?  Was he tossing mardi gras beads?  Was he handing out candy?  Was he spouting some political stuff?   I doubt it.  

And then people began shouting, "Hosanna!  Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord."

And I'm sure some in the crowd said, "Huh?"  Who's this guy?  Is he King of the donkeys?

And then I imagine the disciples needing to answer them....

How do you answer that question?   Who is this Jesus?

This coming Sunday is Palm Sunday, when we shout, "Hosanna!  Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord."

It's time for you to answer the crowd's question:  Who is this Jesus?

I invite you to take some time this coming Holy Week, to think that through, to write down some responses, to share those responses with others that you know, especially some Christian others that you know, and practice preparing to share your faith.  Because next week is Holy Week.... and whole lot more happens in our faith story.

Will you be able to give a response that might lead someone to the faith?

 

Peace in our journeys,

Pastor Steve Melde

P.S.  Join us this Palm Sunday for worship:
8:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall (sermon theme:  Using our Palms)
10:45 a.m. in the Sanctuary (choir will lead us in a cantata about the Holy Week story)

Maundy Thursday (April 18) 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary for a special communion service of Tenebrae (shadows).

Resurrection Morning:
6 a.m. Sunrise Worship outside on the north patio
       (breakfast follows)

9:30 a.m. Journey to Jerusalem
       Lots of activities and fun before worship

10:45 a.m.  Worship in our Gym featuring our choirs (vocal and bell), children's singing choir, and a special pageant to help learn to share the faith of Easter morning.
       And a giant egghunt for the kids after worship.