SCRIPTURE

And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?” - Matthew 21:9-10 ESV

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PRAYER

Dear Jesus,

As we begin Holy Week, I am reminded how messy the world was on the night you were born. And on the day crowds greeted you with cheers of Hosanna as you arrived in Jerusalem over thirty years later, the world was still in chaos. Diseases caused isolation, politics divided societies, disunity trumped community– the parallels to today are obvious. Lord, I pray the world turns and recognizes their Messiah, the Christ. Let them welcome you into their homes, their lives. As the crowds laid down their cloaks to you so many years ago, today I surrender my whole life to you. My soul cries out “Hosanna!” as I praise God above for sending you, the Savior of the world.

In the only name that saves I pray,

Amen.

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JOURNAL REFLECTION

These are very trying times, but not unprecedented. Picture yourself as part of the crowd on that day in Jerusalem. What might you be thinking? Feeling? How can you express the hope that comes from knowing Jesus?

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CALL TO ACTION

Holy Week looks very different this year than in years past. While we are worshiping and preparing to celebrate Easter from our homes instead of in our church building, we are reminded that the foundation of following Christ is immovable and steadfast no matter our circumstances. Today, listen to the worship song, “Hosanna,” and surrender your life and circumstances to God.