Pastor Tim’s April Message

Welcome to Holy Week! As of this writing, we have just celebrated Palm Sunday by reenacting Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, riding humbly on a donkey, as the crowd waved palm branches and chanted “Hosanna to the son of David! Hosanna in the highest!” We ourselves gathered outside for the reading of the Palm Sunday gospel, prayed blessings upon our palms, and then waved them high as we entered the sanctuary, singing the most well-known and beloved of Palm Sunday hymns, “All Glory, Laud, and Honor.”

The worship service then transformed into Passion Sunday, as we read and reflected on portions of Matthew’s gospel related to Jesus’ suffering and betrayal in the latter part of his last week of life.
We examined the character of Judas, and explored possible motives for his betrayal of Jesus, while applying any lessons to our own lives.

This Thursday is Maundy Thursday. “Maundy” is an old English word coming from the Latin word “mandatum,” meaning mandate or command. So Maundy Thursday is really Mandate/Commandment Thursday. What is that mandate/command? Jesus exhorts us to “love one another, as he has loved us.” By doing so, he says, “all will know that we are his disciples.” On the original Maundy Thursday evening, Jesus expressed such love in an act of humble service, as he washed his disciples’ feet. He also shared his last supper with them, transforming it forevermore into the Lord’s Supper, or Holy Communion. He would be arrested and imprisoned by the authorities before the night was over. We will have worship services at 12 pm and 7 pm, commemorating these events.

Friday is Good Friday. It recalls and commemorates Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross. Scripture informs us that he was tortured and taunted, before being nailed hands (or wrists) and feet to the cross, a crown of thorns mockingly placed upon his head. He hung there for six hours, while the sun refused to shine for the last three of them. He breathed his last, died, was taken down, and buried. We will have worship services at 12 pm and 7 pm, commemorating this day of suffering and sacrifice.

Then, of course, Sunday is Easter, the day of resurrection! Jesus rose from the grave; conquered sin, death, and the devil, once for all time, for all people everywhere; and has won for us the forgiveness of our sins, free salvation, and eternal life. The tomb is empty. He is risen. He is risen indeed! Alleluia! We will have worship services at
9 am and 11 am to celebrate who he was, is, and always will be – and all that he has won for us. Praise God!

Sharing the Love of Christ,
Pastor Tim