Mark 11: 4 They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, 5 some people standing there asked, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” 6 They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go. 7 When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. 8 Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. 9 Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” 10 “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” 11 Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple courts. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.
This week has seen us having a minute’s silence on Tuesday as we took time to think about the year of the pandemic that we have been living through. We were called to take time to reflect upon the year, to think about all of those who have been affected by the virus. We have all been impacted by the lockdowns and the changes to our lives. Some have lost precious members of their family, some have seen how the virus has impacted on health of those dear to them, we have all mourned a lack of freedom that we took for granted, we have celebrated the work of so many people who have not been counted as important before and we have all changed in some way. When I have reflected on this past year it really has been a time of leading us to look at life in a completely different way.
This Sunday is Palm Sunday, we remember Jesus’s final journey into Jerusalem before He pays the ultimate sacrifice for each one of us. As He borrowed a donkey and rode into Jerusalem, the streets were lined with people shouting ‘Hosanna,’ seeing Jesus as their king and saviour. How were they expecting Jesus to do this? Did they expect Him to battle? To argue? To throw the cruel leaders out of their palaces?
Jesus acted in a completely different way. He continued to spread the message of His Father’s love and modelled how we should follow Him and come to know His Father for ourselves. He did not lead anyone into battles, no fighting, He humbled Himself for each one of us and followed His Father’s ways not ours. He was leading us to look at life in a completely different way.
In the week ahead as we prepare to celebrate Resurrection Day, it can be a time tinged with sadness as we remember that Jesus died for each one of us on the cross to bridge the gap between God and us but let’s remember that through this sacrifice, we can live our lives in a completely different way. Eggs are a symbol of new life and that is what is on offer for each one of us so let’s celebrate being different and growing more like Jesus every day. May we each have a Resurrection Day, daily. Ali
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