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!” Mark 11:7-10
Jesus enters the final week of His life in His life-long modus operandi: Courage! He heads into violence with non-violence; he rides in to the mess of humanity with mercy; he enters into relationship with those who don’t understand His ways let alone His motives… it is courage in its purest form. What a mission… such courage.
Jesus doesn’t avoid, blame, shame or reject those that were the source of His pain. He chooses to become a part of the mess of humanity-our humanity. He doesn’t accidently end up there– he chooses a colt and rides in.The people shout Hosanna-Save now! They wave their palms and plead for salvation. They’re about to get it. What a mission… such courage.
Within a week they will witness the most hideous torture and death of the only innocent human being to ever live.Jesus makes a triumphant entry to finish what he came to do – bear the sin of all human kind. Our sin, your sin. What a mission… such courage.
What is your mission? Where is courage being called for in your life?
As we prepare for Holy Week, honor the message of Holy Week by asking God, “Is there a mess you need me to ride into courageously? Is there violence you want me to face non-violently? Is there relational pain that you are asking me to bear? Who needs to hear the message of Hosanna-save now?”
Remembering our mission with courage,
