Sermon Category: Holy Week

This Sunday we celebrate the resurrection of our Savior - the central point in our Christian faith. But what were the followers of Jesus expecting as they woke up that first Easter morning? As we look at the narrative in John, it becomes clear that they were not expecting a miraculous resurrection. Instead of life, they were expecting death. However, all of those expectations were changed when Jesus appeared. And the physical resurrection of our Savior still makes all the difference in the world.

This Sunday, we celebrate the Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. But as we observe the crowds as they shout words of praise and wave palm branches, what was it they were wanting to see? As Holy Week progresses, it becomes clear that most in the crowd were looking for a king much different than Jesus. They were looking for a king who would bring the glory back to Israel, not be glorified on a Roman cross. Thankfully, the victory that Jesus won was greater than anything the crowds could have imagined that day!

On this Resurrection Sunday we will be looking at Isaiah's prophecy of a day in the future when death would be swallowed up forever. Even in the midst of judgment and exile, the prophet looked forward to the day when death was devoured, a feast was prepared, tears were wiped away, and sin and shame were gone. While we live and rejoice in the partial fulfillment of this prophecy, we wait along with Isaiah for its ultimate fulfillment when Christ returns. Join us as we celebrate the empty tomb which made it all possible!

On this Palm Sunday we will be looking at the Old Testament prophecy that Jesus fulfilled as he rode into Jerusalem, humble and riding on a donkey. We'll ask the questions: Why did he do it? Why did the crowds and the leaders respond the way they did? Why does it matter for us today? Come join us as we shout "Hosanna!" to the coming King!