Unexpected (MPLS)

Psalm 118:1–2, 19–29

O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever! Let Israel say, “His steadfast love endures forever.”

Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the Lord. This is the gate of the Lord; the righteous shall enter through it. I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation. The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Save us, we beseech you, O Lord! O Lord, we beseech you, give us success! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. We bless you from the house of the Lord. The Lord is God, and he has given us light. Bind the festal procession with branches, up to the horns of the altar. You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; you are my God, I will extol you. O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.

Mark 11:1–11

When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.’” They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, some of the bystanders said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it.

Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.

‘Text Message’ Reflection:
From Pastor Chris Enstad

In this passage, Jesus instructs His disciples to fetch a colt, a humble creature, which He would ride into Jerusalem. The crowd’s response, laying their cloaks and leafy branches on the road and shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” reveals their recognition of Him as the Messiah. Yet, Jesus chooses a colt, signifying peace, contrasting with the war horses of conquering heroes. This moment encapsulates the essence of Jesus’ kingdom—one not of earthly power and might but of humility, peace, and service.

‘Text Message’ Reflection Questions:

• How can we, like Jesus, choose paths of humility and service in our lives, especially when the world expects grandeur and might?
• How does Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on a colt challenge our perceptions of leadership and success?

Prayer:

Gracious God, as we remember Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, help us to embrace His example of humility and peace. Teach us to serve others with a heart like His, to seek not to be served but to serve. May our lives reflect His love and grace, and may we shout “Hosanna!” not just with our lips but through our actions and deeds. Guide us through this Holy Week to the foot of the cross and beyond, to the joy of the resurrection. Amen.