We stand now on the doorstep of Jerusalem! We look down from the Mount of Olives—the Holy City and the magnificent temple are before us. Two thousand years ago, Jesus entered Jerusalem down this path riding on a donkey. Palm branches and outer garments were laid on the pathway before him. The Jewish people were filled with anticipation. “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”
Palm Sunday is just a few days away. Soon we will join the global parade as we make our way to the Holy City. Palm Sunday marks our entry into Holy Week. These seven days forever changed the history of the world. In this single week, Jesus will wash feet, share a last supper with his disciples, be betrayed, take up his cross, and forgive those who crucified and betrayed him. He will die, and he will be buried.
It is hard for us to imagine the utter despair of his followers. What would it mean for us to betray what we loved most in the world? What would it mean to watch from a distance as the one we loved was nailed to a cross? We know that Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss, but the Bible is clear “they all forsook Jesus and fled.”
They fled into the darkness of the night. They fled with tears in their eyes and fear in their hearts. They fled hoping not to catch their own reflection in the mirror. They fled not at all sure that life was worth living. Judas somehow managed to put one foot in front of the other as he staggered out of the city with rope in hand. His life would end in despair.
In shame and utter despair the disciples went into hiding. I cannot help but think of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden as they hid themselves from God. Now, naked before each other, mired in shame, they hid.
The darkness of Good Friday would give way to the brilliant light of Easter Morning. The sun would return. Death would not have the last word. Shame would be decimated by grace. Words of forgiveness would be spoken, “Do not be afraid.” Out of the ashes of betrayal the church would be born, and the world would be forever changed.
I have many hopes and dreams for Trinity Lutheran Church. I believe that the best is yet to come for us. I believe that God will continue to bless us, and, in turn, we will be a blessing to others. We will speak words of grace and leave a legacy of grace.
We need not hide, like Adam and Eve did in the garden. We need not hide, like the disciples did on Good Friday. We need not hide, for the people of Trinity believe in grace. Mine is the Church…where everybody’s welcome! What joy to speak those words!
We stand on the doorstep of Jerusalem. In the next week, the greatest story ever told will be retold. Please join us on the parade route, at the table of the Last Supper, at the foot of the cross, and at the empty tomb.
See you in Church!
Love,
PS: Next year I am spending Palm Sunday in the Holy City of Jerusalem. I invite you to join me.
