Welcome to Wednesday! This is a day when we find ourselves in the midst of our work in the middle of our week.
Yesterday we explored four “contexts” (or backdrops) reflected in the Scripture. These helped us understand the events of Palm Sunday from the perspective of the people in Jesus’ day. Today we look at our world. How does our current context impart modern meaning to these words of Luke?
We all face the growing threat of COVID-19. As we experience that rising anxiety the word “Hosanna” (a Palm Sunday word) takes on a new and deeper meaning. The word “Hosanna” means “save now”. The people of Jesus’ day welcomed him with that praise and prayer. Particularly these days we know that “Save Now” prayer in our hearts. How are you praying this prayer in these days? What forms does that prayer take? Jot down your prayers.
Even as Jesus entered Jerusalem the action he was about to take was unanticipated. The way that he would answer the prayer “Save Now” was unexpected. Jesus was not going to miraculously remove their oppression, but rather join them in their struggle in a most profound way – by embracing the Cross. This was the ultimate expression of Immanuel - “God with us” - in our darkest moments. How is “God is with us” in our hardest times and darkest times an answer to “Save Now” for you? How is inner strength, courage, or encouragement an answer to “Save Now” for you? What might be some other experiences of “God with us” in these days? Jot down your reflections.
Jesus entered Jerusalem to the “Hosannas” of the people. He embraced the “Save Now” praise of the people as a “Humble King” mounted on a donkey. His was to be a not so much a “Miracle of Glory” but a “Ministry of Humility” as he embraced the Cross as God’s answer to the need of the people. His was to be an act of selfless, serving sacrifice. As we lift our prayers to God to “Save Now” how might we join Jesus through our own acts of humility in serving others? What opportunities do we have to help others know they are not alone? How through your care and compassion might they know Christ with them? Jot down your thoughts and your opportunities.
As we experience all that is happening today the prayer of Palm Sunday, “Save Now”, takes on powerful meaning for us as people of faith. I pray that as we continue to get ready for Sunday we would continue to pray this prayer. I pray that we experience God’s answers as we welcome our coming Christ into our hearts and lives today. “Hosanna!”
Prayer: Lord Jesus, you come to “Save Now”. Open us through our faith to the ways you would be answering that prayer in our hearts and lives in these days. In your holy name, we pray. Amen.