Deepest Valley, Highest Mountain
Pray
Begin with prayer, opening your heart to His Word and Spirit.
Read Mark 11:1-11
11 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 3 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.’”
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![a]”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”[b]
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.
Reflect
Having predicted his arrest, beating, death and resurrection, Jesus arrives in Jerusalem to fulfill what he predicted. Imagine the excitement of the disciples and the sorrow of Jesus as they stood looking out over Jerusalem. There were throngs of people in the city preparing for Passover. Every person welcoming Jesus to Jerusalem was filled with celebration and hope. This week we will celebrate the triumph of Jesus entering the city on a donkey (Palm Sunday) to the victory of the resurrection (Easter Sunday).
Closing prayer
Jesus, we praise you for never wavering from your journey to the cross. Thank you for your obedience to the Father in all things. Amen.