Read Mark 11:1-11; 14:32-15:15
Holy week begins with palms waving…”Hosanna” we sing. “Hosanna” officially in Strong’s Concordance:
hōsanná – a transliteration of the Hebrew term (hôsî-âh-nā) meaning “Oh, save now!” or “Please save!”
The people of Jerusalem knew this: Psalm 118:25-27
O LORD, save us;
O LORD, grant us success. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD.
From the house of the LORD we bless you.
The LORD is God, and he has made his light shine upon us.
With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession up to the horns of the altar.
I say, with conviction—SAVE ME. This Week—I am marching to the cross flawed.
The chief priests and whole Sanhedrin were looking for evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death, but they did not find any. Many testified falsely against him, but their statements did not agree. Mark 14:55,56
The MOST religious of all—had to lie. They could not get their lies straight—to get Jesus crucified. Jesus’ trial was illegal from the beginning. It was held at night and Jewish law requires all trials of criminals in front of high priests be in the daytime. Second, it was in the wrong place. The Sanhedrin was not to meet in someone’s house (high priest)—only the prescribed meeting hall. Thirdly, the Sanhedrin was prohibited to reach a verdict the same day the trial was held. Here, the verdict is passed the same day
this farce of a trial is held.
Questions to myself:
- How do I lie against God?
- Who threatens me and when do I get defensive—enough to lie? Tougher question—do I exaggerate to defend myself? What am I really defending—my unrighteous self?
- What do I consider I need to defend for Christ’s sake? Am I just ho-hum and lethargic in my faith?
- How am I
like Peter and deny my faith when it gets hard?
“…Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. ‘’The time has come,’ he said. ‘The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news.’ “ Mark 1:14,15
The long awaited Messiah has come. He broke the power of sin and those who heard his message were the oppressed, poor and without hope. They were offered freedom, justice and hope.
Who am I lying to today and oppressing?
Who is without hope that I can give hope to through Christ?
Caiaphas and Annas are treacherous, evil, religious bigots. Pride, envy, and wrath were their weapons. We see them again in Acts 4 when Peter and John were before the Sanhedrin….so their power does not get “zapped” after the resurrection.
We Christians can justify our lies all we want. It makes us comfortable.
I give. I tithe. I go to (the
right) church. I have a leadership position in my church. I go on mission trips. I root for the right team. I read the Bible—even teach a class. I have the right friends. Not lies–but maybe defenses that do not allow us to have a relationship with Christ. Or to repent. Or believe the Good News afresh.
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This week I want to be like those who did SEE clearly that Jesus was the Son of Man:
Mark 5:34 “…Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be free from your suffering.” (Bleeding woman, healed by touching garment)
Mark 2:5 “…Son, your sins are forgiven” (paralytic healed and forgiven)
Mark 9:24 “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief” (father of demon possessed boy)
Mark 11:22 “Have faith in God.” (encouraging the disciples to pray for anything!)
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A man –who I did not know—sat in my pew at church this morning. He dressed differently than me. He obviously did not know the “traditions” of our church—went up to communion before usher “escorted” him.
Immediately after the service he put out his hand and said, “I’m Ron.” I looked blankly at him and said, “I’m Paula.” I’m feeling like a Pharisee. I was the church member—wasn’t I supposed to be the one stepping forward first?
What! He had NO reservations. No holding back. Someone else interrupted and he escaped me. If I said that I was bold and welcoming—I would be a liar. He was the face of Christ—I was a good member of the Sanhedrin. (see Mark 14-15)
“Repent…and believe the Good News.” I repent. Welcome Ron…I believe he touched the hem of Christ’s coat…no holding back.
I invite you to join me this week in this journey.
Hosanna. God SAVE ME.
deborahbythepalm 