Theme of the Day: Surrender Buries Seizure

As we begin Holy Week, we see Jesus bury humanity’s endless attempts at seizing power. In our world, power dynamics are almost always in play. Those who don’t have power want it, often more than anything else. Those who have power are willing to do anything to keep it. In contrast, Jesus—who possesses all power as the Son of God—willingly surrendered his power and placed himself in the hands of his enemies. Why? What he wanted more than anything else was not power, but you.

So, Jesus begins this Holy Week riding into Jerusalem on a donkey colt, knowing full well that he was riding to the cross. He would surrender himself to the punishment that our sins deserved, so that through Spirit-wrought faith we might seize the glory and heaven that only he deserves.

Luke 19:28-40
Isaiah 42:1-4
Philippians 2:5-11
Psalm 24F

412 – All Glory, Laud, and Honor
411 – Ride On, Ride On in Majesty
422 – A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth
415 – Exult Today, Jerusalem

Prayer of the Day: We praise you, O God, for the great acts of love by which you have redeemed us through your Son, Jesus Christ. As he was acclaimed by those who scattered their garments and branches of palms in his path, so may we always hail him as our King and follow him with perfect confidence; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Gospel Acclamation: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”