They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting,

“Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the king of Israel!”

John 12:13

 

Dear HBIC Family,

 

During this season of Lent, we have been invited to walk in faith as we journey with God. We have been reminded that God holds on to us as we reach out and hold on to God. Lent is the time of year where we focus on Jesus’ time in the wilderness before entering into formal earthly ministry. At the same time, we also focus on Jesus setting his face towards Jerusalem and Calvary. This is why, during Lent, we are called to pray to God, surrender to the Spirit, repent, and seek reconciliation with God and others.

 

On Sunday, we embark on the final leg of this Lenten season by entering into Holy Week. We begin with Palm Sunday, when we celebrate together Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. This week is a joy and a blessing as we join with sisters and brothers around the world in worship of Christ our King. We are excited to worship together in so many ways unique to this upcoming week.

 

To prepare for this week’s services, I invite you to read and reflect on John 12:12-19. As you reflect, I would like to ask you to focus on the following questions:

 

When was the first time you heard of Jesus?

What impact did hearing about Jesus have on you?

How has your understanding of God’s salvation grown over the years?

How do you live to show that Jesus is your King?

How are you living to tell the story of Jesus?

 

On Palm Sunday, the people who were in Jerusalem for Passover are surprised to see the Lamb of God enter into the great city as King, so they worshipped Jesus. In coming to Jerusalem, Jesus fulfilled what had been prophesied years before. In going to Calvary, Jesus would accomplish God’s plan for the salvation of the world. Jesus’ triumphal entry reminds us that God sent him into the world as our Servant King. As we worship together on Sunday, and the week to come, let us remember and hold on to the fact that Jesus is our Servant King.

 

Sisters and brothers, let us join together to keep praising God for Jesus our Messiah. Praise God that Jesus left heaven for earth to show us how to live and love to please God. Praise Jesus for serving the people, healing the sick, setting the oppressed free, washing the feet of His disciples, and ultimately laying down His life to save this world and set us free. And praise the Holy Spirit for blessing our hands, and for keeping our eyes and our hearts fixed on Jesus.

God bless you all. 

 

Love in Christ,

Pastor Hank (John 12:13)