Released by the Rev. J. Pete Hyde …
Good morning:
It’s been almost three years since the small band of followers aligned themselves with this wandering teacher and healer. Many of them left their livelihoods and families to follow him. There was something different about him, almost strange. They experienced so much in these three short year. They were his closest friends and followers and yet they still did not completely understand who he was or who he claimed to be. Yes, they had their moments of deep belief. But they also had their times of doubting. They witnessed the healings, heard him preach and teach, witnessed the debate with the authorities, saw him walk on the water and marveled when he fed more than five thousand with a few loaves and fishes.
He told it was time for him to complete his mission and he would have to go away. They just did not understand. Now his face and mind were set on Jerusalem. There seemed to be something drawing him there other than the celebration of the Passover Feast. There was something in his eyes that told them this trip to Jerusalem was more important than the others. As they approached the city, he became more intense, more focused on his mission.
The news spread to Jerusalem that the one whom the prophets spoke of was coming in to the city to free them from Roman occupation and become their long awaited king. They lined the street as the small band entered the city. They had done this many times before as others who claimed to be the anointed one came into the city. The crowds were disappointed many times before, but maybe, just maybe, this would be “the one”. Maybe, just maybe – they could only hop and pray. They waved their palm branches in a patriotic display that would rival any 4th of July celebration we have known.
They laid their cloaks in front of him to pay homage to the coming “king”. They shouted “Hosanna” to express their longing to be freed from the Roman occupation of their country. The band of followers became more and more confused about what they got themselves into.
They retreated from the city that evening. He stood on the mount and wept for Jerusalem and what would have to happen there for him to complete his mission. They would reenter the city in the morning for the beginning of the end – at lease here on earth. His heart was heavy. He would “be led like a lamb to the slaughter” without resistance. He would plead with his Father to take the cup of death from Him, but he would follow his Father’s will, even to death upon the cross.
The journey of Holy Week has begun. It will be a strange journey this year as we cannot meet together to celebrate. But it is the essence of the Christian faith. So journey we will, separated by “stay-at-home-orders,” but together on the journey. It is a journey to the cross and an ultimate journey to resurrection and new journey to resurrection and new life. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing this week, take time each day to contemplate day to contemplate the journey of Holy Week. Social distancing gives us a great opportunity to experience Holy Week in quiet time with God and our immediate families.
The story is outlined in the Gospel of Luke chapters 19 through 23. Take time each day this week to read what happened during the week that changed the world. Tune into services this week that will help you fully experience the events of Holy Week. What happened during the week for you. Join us via Livestream for a special Maundy Thursday Service at noon where we will experience the last hours of Jesus life. Then let’s celebrate Easter next Sunday as we gather again remotely to celebrate the miracle of salvation and the ultimate victory over death and your invitation to eternity.
COVID-19 may have separated us physically, but it cannot separate us in the Spirit and Truth of the Gospel of the Risen Lord.
Make this week a Holy Week!!
Rev. J. Pete Hyde