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1 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.” 4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: 5 “Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’ ” 6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. 8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”“Hosanna in the highest heaven!” 10 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” 11 The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” (Matthew 21;1-11 New International Version Bible)
A blessed and joyous Monday to you, dear Friend. I pray the blessings of the Lord will be with you and yours during this week. As we pray this morning, I ask prayers for Mrs. Elisa Gaytan, widow of The Rev. Francisco Gaytan, who was just diagnosed positive for Covid once again this morning (Sunday). She lives in Edinburg, TX, ahnd requested our prayers. Please pray for one and another; pray for those on your prayer lists, and pray for the needs of the world. Seek God's favor as you pray, and pray to be a blessing for others.
I was blessed to have been invited to preach in our home church and I was almost shocked at where we are in terms of Holy Week and our Lenten Journey. Next Sunday is Palm Sunday! And that's the start of Holy Week! Our church, as well I'm sure, your church has plenty planned to help your walk. Today's scripture will be on Palm Sunday and the rest of the week we will see various scriptures related to the events of the most holy of weeks in our tradition.
The week begins with Jesus' triumphant entry into the Holy City of Jerusalem. The plans were all orchestrated with scripture because they were fulfilling the prophecies concerning the entry of The Messiah into the city. The donkey was key, for a king would not normally enter a city, or especially His city, on a donkey unless it was a sign of peace. Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and so on the donkey He rides. "This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet."
The three years Jesus spent in the towns and countrysides outside of Jerusalem prepared the people in Jerusalem to be aware of Him and His ministry and as He neared the city, they got ready to welcome Him. My hunch is most people believed Jesus to be the political/military Messiah Israel awaited to free them from Roman occupation, so this parade was filled with excitement and joy that would soon turn to anger, as we are well aware. Those who welcomed Jesus with "Hosannas," would on Friday holler "Hang Him!" Their hopes were misplaced as they did not fully yet realize Who Jesus truly was. Even some there, as this passage ends, ask, "Who is this?" The crowds said, "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee."
Truth be told, some still to this day do not know Who Jesus is, and all that Jesus did on our behalf. It is still up to us to share the Good News and tell the world about Jesus and what Holy Week is truly about. We can use what we know best, "For God so loved the world, He sent His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Amen.
PRAYER: Loving Father, for all that Holy Week represents, let us be the best representatives we can to tell the world about Jesus. Bless our week as we prepare to do all that is expected of us; may we seek Your favor and may we glorify You; in Christ Jesus we pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Show the world you are a believer in Jesus!
Receive my blessings of joy and peace,
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
