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Weekly Greeting: Sunday 28 March
Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 2010-03-25 15:12
Dear Friends
Every Palm Sunday my own thoughts go back a number of years to when our Israel tour group stood at the top of the Mount of Olives. We spent a long time gazing out at the view of Jerusalem. In one mind's eye, one could speculate on the route that Jesus could have taken as he travelled to Jerusalem. I remember that it was humbling to realise that we could have been very close to the actual place where Jesus and the Disciples were, on that very first Palm Sunday!
As we reflect today on the events of Palm Sunday, it's instructive to read and compare the four gospel accounts of the Triumphal Entry. Each account is slightly different. John tells us that Jesus walked at first and later 'found a young donkey'. Matthew, Mark and Luke all tell us that Jesus sent the disciples to get the colt or donkey. A very mundane task.
Earlier in Mark's gospel we read that James and John were asking Jesus to let them sit at His right and left hand in glory. Jesus answers them with the words: 'For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many'. Maybe James and John had imagined for themselves a more grand and noble role as disciples. Maybe they would have seen themselves as more than just 'donkey fetchers'?
One of the powerful messages coming out of Palm Sunday is that as people who follow Jesus, we are to serve others. Often the language of Christian work involves great fanfares for those who lead our earthly churches. Too often we come across unhelpful accolades for those who have larger than life public roles in the Church. On Palm Sunday we realise that the Christian life is one of service. Each one of us is preparing the way of the Lord in the small ordinary tasks we undertake. We are 'donkey fetchers', stewards, committee members and those who cook food. When we visit folk in hospital or just when we speak and encourage others it seems quite humble and routine. All these seemingly insignificant acts of service come together to prepare the way of the Lord.
Our Holy Week and Easter program is busy and there are services and events every evening, to which you are cordially invited. Do come along we would love to see you!
Blessings
The Ministry Team
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