Pastor's Page

Lent is well under way. Jesus has faced Jerusalem and we’ve joined him as he heads there while continuing to teach, heal, and dine with disciples and with Pharisees. We’re heading for Easter and all of the busyness that surrounds it. But before we can experience the joy of Resurrection, we have to experience Holy Week.

It actually starts quite joyfully. On the Sunday before Easter, we’ll wave palms and hear the shouts of praise as the crowds cry “Hosanna!” These same crowds will be with Jesus as he preaches in the temple and confronts the religious leaders throughout the week. And by Friday these same crowds will then see Jesus crucified.

I wonder what was going through their heads? We know that many disciples fled because they were afraid that they would be arrested and executed as well. Others stayed, grieving and providing what was needed for a proper Jewish burial. But were any of the crowds that the religious leaders riled up to shout for Jesus’ blood the same as those who shouted Hosanna and praise earlier that week? Did any later realize that they had been manipulated and feel remorse as they watched all of the torture that came with crucifixion? Did they even stick around? I’ve researched this a little, but commentaries disagree on the answers. So for now I find it more helpful to put myself in the story. With only the information that they had, growing up in the
society as they did, how would I have reacted?

This month, we’ll witness the story as we gather on Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter morning. Consider how you might have reacted had you stood in their place. For we are all sinners who fall short of God’s will for our lives. That’s why Jesus was crucified. And knowing everything that you know, consider how the whole of the story- Jesus’ life, death, and coming resurrection- has changed your life and continues to shape you as a beloved child of God.

 Blessings,

      Pastor Annie



Pastor Annie McMillan