This is our week before Easter and the excitement has begun. On the calendar it is called Palm Sunday weekend. The 1st century Jerusalem was also filled with the excitement and buzz of Jesus coming to town. Much like people today, people were making plans for family and friends to be together.
Many people in Jesus day were unclear who He actually was. This continues to be a reality in our modern world. Have you made your plans and decisions about Easter 2024? Are you a committed follower of Jesus? Are you inviting family and friends to join you for worship and celebration of Jesus Resurrection? Is Easter worship with a church family a priority in your schedule this year?
These have always been questions people need to answer before Easter arrives. In the 1st century church people had mixed-reactions in Jerusalem as Jesus arrived. Many were busy making preparations for Passover meals and religious gatherings. What is in on your mind today? Easter is next, 7 days, March 30/31. People like us have plenty of things on our mind today. Are you in? Are you ready for Easter? Are you ready for Jesus? Good questions for everyone in 2024.
Here is what Matthew wrote the Thursday before, Jesus arrest recorded in the Bible?
“1 As Jesus and the disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to the town of Bethphage on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of them on ahead. 2 ‘Go into the village over there,’ he said. ‘As soon as you enter it, you will see a donkey tied there, with its colt beside it. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone asks what you are doing, just say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and hr will immediately let you take them.’ 4 This took place to fulfill the prophecy that said, 5 ‘Tell the people of Jerusalem, ‘Look, your King is coming to you. He is humble, riding on a donkey riding on a donkey’s colt.’ ”
6 The two disciples did as Jesus commanded. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt to him and threw their garments over the colt, and he sat on it. 8 Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of him, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting, ‘Praise God for the Son of David! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the LORD! Praise God in highest heaven!’ 10 The entire city of Jerusalem was in an uproar as he entered. 11 And the crowds replied, ‘It’s Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth run Galilee.’ ” Matthew 1-11 NLT
Are you clear about who Jesus is? Many were not in the 1st century. Some thought Jesus was merely a prophet or teacher from God. Not everyone was all in, convinced, Jesus was God’s One and Only Son, Savior of the world. Do you believe in Easter?
Join us for another lesson from our series, I BELIEVE. This weekend, Palm Sunday, before Easter in 7 days, we’ll take a look at the process: Believe, Faith, Confession, Repentance, Baptism. People have been using this 5 finger process for centuries when making a Jesus decision, becoming a Jesus follower.
Join us Journey Church Cynthiana - invite a guest. This lesson from the Bible is sure to help get us ready for Easter Sunday worship. Are you in?
