Covenant Church

Jesus knowing the timing of events set his face toward Jerusalem. He understood what was ahead. He knew the predestined routine that must follow for sin and death to be conquered.

Events from the time he left Jericho to Calvary are intense. No time is lost. He vests his disciples with detailed instructions. He constantly shares encouraging words, healing, and ministering. He takes time to call two blind men to him and heal them.

He gives instructions for a colt to be fetched for him to ride. He tells where the colt is and what to say if the owner asks questions. This is a particular, yet mysterious, passage of scripture that once again adds to the magnificence and authenticity of the Bible.

They put their own clothes on the colt. They lay their clothes in the path of the colt Jesus is riding. It is the cultural way to recognize a king. Romans would have cared less about this than the Pharisees and Sadducees. The High Priest was like royalty. Pilate and Herod cared little for the High Priest. A little competition among the Jews over which Jew was the greatest could have diminished threat to Rome.

"Hosanna in the Highest," the multitude shouted. Literally they were saying, "Save us, mighty one from God." Probably there were sincere and believing hearts. However, it is more probable that the larger number of them were living out a past dream. Solomon's kingdom and gold mines were in the psyche of the people. They rehearsed the glories of Israel when kings of other nations came to visit. Embedded in their historic roots was the time when Israel was recognized for its wealth, power, and glory.

Rome was a foot of iron. Any Roman soldier could require a Jew to carry the soldier's burden for one mile. Jesus taught that it would be a right attitude to offer to carry the load an extra mile. Rome was cruel. Ruthlessly cruel. Peace between the Jews and Rome was always troubled, restless, and with explosions of violence that on occasion caused an entire Jewish city to be completely destroyed by Rome. Hatred was deep.

When the crowd "moved" into the city, the word for moved meant it was like an earthquake. It was thunderous. Outward appearance was that Jesus was finally being vindicated. He was being acknowledged for who He is. In truth, the crowd was self-seeking.

Jesus' question to the two blind men on the Road to Jericho strikes at the heart: "What do you want me to do for you?" The quality of our answer determines the merit of Jesus' response. For a self-righteous right man, Jesus responded he should sell everything and give it to the poor. For a demon-possessed man who came naked to Jesus, Jesus gave him his right mind and restored his family.

For a woman of ill-repute who had sold herself to men, Jesus gave her virtue and friendship. For Peter who failed so miserably, Jesus gently offered an invitation of love (John 14). For a thief on the cross who was repentant, Jesus opened the door to eternal life.

Instead of withdrawing as Calvary came near, Jesus more generously gave himself away. Instead of rebuking the self-seeking crowd, Jesus asked from the cross for them to be forgiven.

It is impossible to read the chronicle of Jesus' last few days and not be deeply humbled. The pouring out of his love is beyond comprehension. It cannot be measured.

My hope is that you have made the journey to Calvary. It must be made alone. Yet when you come to Calvary you come into the company of angels and the spirit of just men and women.

At Covenant Church we are on a journey. We will have a noon-day Good Friday service. Saturday AM we will have Resurrection Breakfast for both men and women. Sunday we will have three worship services:  8:00 AM, 9:30 AM, and 11:00 AM.

Immediately after the third worship service children from numerous countries will have an egg hunt, families will bring a meal, and folks will be dressed in native dress. The gathering will then divide into four groups for worship in native languages of Swahili, French, Burmese, and Chin.

We are one in Spirit. United in faith through Jesus Christ. Reaching out to others to share the joy that is ours because Jesus is Our Lord.

Come, Let us walk together. His love makes bright our path.

Pastor Bare

For when we were yet without strength [still in sin], in due season [on time] Christ died for the ungodly [Romans 5:6].