This Sunday, we step into the crowd with Jesus as he enters Jerusalem in Mark 11:1 to 11. While Rome loved grand parades that displayed power, wealth, and control, Jesus entered the city in a very different way. He comes in humility, not with military force, but with authenticity, peace, and a presence that stirs ordinary people to respond. The crowd waves branches, throws down cloaks, and shouts, “Hosanna!” because they recognize that something different is happening. This is not empty pageantry. This is good news in motion.
Mark’s telling of the story is especially powerful because it focuses so much on the actions of everyone involved. The disciples follow Jesus’ instructions. The people respond with joy and courage. The whole scene reminds us that faith is not just something we think about or talk about. Faith moves. Faith responds. Faith steps into the street, lifts its voice, and joins the procession.
As we begin Holy Week, we are invited to ask ourselves where we see the good news already at work around us. Where is Jesus moving among the hurting, the hungry, the fearful, and the hopeful? And once we see it, how will we join in? The good news is not only something to believe. It is something to embody. It calls us to move from admiration to action, from watching to participating, from quiet belief to courageous discipleship.
This week, may we do more than wave branches from a distance. May we follow Jesus with our whole lives.
Grace and Peace because grace always goes before peace,
Pastor Sharon