When they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus gave two disciples a task. He said to them, “Go into the village over there. As soon as you enter, you will find a donkey tied up and a colt with it. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, say that their master needs them.” He sent them off right away. Now this happened to fulfill what the prophet said, Say to Daughter Zion, “Look, your king is coming to you, humble and riding on a donkey, and on a colt the donkey’s offspring.” The disciples went and did just as Jesus had ordered them. They brought the donkey and the colt and laid their clothes on them. Then he sat on them. Now a large crowd spread their clothes on the road. Others cut palm branches off the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds in front of him and behind him shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!Hosanna in the highest!” And when Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up. “Who is this?” they asked. The crowds answered, “It’s the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.” (Matthew 21:1-11, CEB)
I will always look for the text for Palm Sunday over Passion Sunday. There is a lot to be said about us gathering as a community especially this week, for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter. When we move the Passion reading from Friday to Sunday we signal that Maundy Thursday and Good Friday gatherings maybe aren’t as important to the story, but without the death, there is no resurrection. Also Maundy Thursday and Good Friday are important days for us to gather together on. But I digress…
What do you need? Do you know that in all of the New Testament, it is only found in the Palm Sunday texts that Jesus ever says he needs something? And that need is to fulfill a prophecy. The only thing we have recorded that Jesus needs is a donkey, and here the colt of that donkey.
When you think about what you need, I am sure you are like me and all the things you want come to mind. We all know that a want is not a need. But what do we need?
I think something we all need is love. To know we are loved. That we are loved as we are.
God loves you as you are. Know that and claim that no matter what anyone else has told you.
As we enter this holy week, know you are loved, and go and love unconditionally.
Loving People. Loving God.
aSacredRebel 