Dear Church Hill Faith Family,
On April 13, we will celebrate Palm Sunday and commemorate Jesus’ arrival into Jerusalem, where He will suffer at the hands of the ruling authorities, be crucified, die, and be raised again by the power of God. As Jesus processes into Jerusalem, His disciples joyfully shout:
“Blessings on the king who comes in the name of the Lord.
Peace in heaven and glory in the highest heavens.”
(Luke 19:38, Common English Bible)
They are right that He is a king, but they misunderstand what kind of king he is. They think He has come to Jerusalem to lead a violent revolt against the Romans. But Jesus’ kingdom will not be instituted through the sword but through sacrificial love. Jesus processes into Jerusalem riding on a humble donkey, a sign of peace but also a sign of divine purpose and power:
Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion.
Sing aloud, Daughter Jerusalem.
Look, your king will come to you.
He is righteous and victorious.
He is humble and riding on an ass,
on a colt, the offspring of a donkey.
(Zechariah 9:9, CEB)
This upcoming week, you are invited to journey alongside Jesus as He accomplishes God’s purposes for Him and by His gracious sacrifice and glorious resurrection, defeats sin and death and offers new life to all who will have faith in Him.
In Christ’s love,
Pastor Nicholas
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