Sermon Introduction
When Jesus comes into Jerusalem, crowds celebrate by waving palm branches. Not long afterwards, Jesus is crucified and sent to the cross. The crowds are then shouting, “let him be crucified!” Why does everyone turn against Jesus? And what can this teach us about our faith today?
Introduction to this week’s readings
Today, we encounter the paradox that defines our faith: Jesus Christ is glorified king and humiliated servant. We too are full of paradox: like Peter, we fervently desire to follow Christ, but find ourselves afraid, denying God. We wave palms in celebration today as Christ comes into our midst, and we follow with trepidation as his path leads to death on the cross. Amid it all we are invited into this paradoxical promise of life through Christ’s broken body and outpoured love in a meal of bread and wine. We begin this week that stands at the center of the church year, anticipating the completion of God’s astounding work.
0 Comments