Thought for the week (we 20th April 2014)

From his triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday through to the agony and anguish of Good Friday we recall this Holy week the events which led Jesus to his death.

Jesus’ life was in every way one of obedience to the will of his father, showing the love of God each and every step of the way. Have you ever wondered why he healed the sick or saved an adulterous woman from the fanatical legalists who would stone her to death?

Why did he touch that stretcher in Nain to restore to a weeping widow the only son she loved so much, or bother to ignore national and religious divides to heal a Roman Centurion’s servant.

Why feed five thousand hungry people or change the water into wine to save the embarrassment of the host. The answer is there for us all to see – because this love, care and compassion flows from the heart of God – and in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus for some thirty three years the joy of heaven to earth came down – we have seen his glory , the only son of the Father, full of grace and truth.

And so this week we welcome Jesus as did the people of Jerusalem on that first Palm Sunday and raise our Hosanna’s to the heavens in praise and welcome.

As he washed the feet of his disciples in an act of service and humility we in the church are challenged and reminded that we are called, like Jesus to love others and serve in his name following his example of humility and love. He prayed alone in the garden for his disciples and all in the future who would believe in him.

He died on the cross, taking away our sins and was raised on the third day triumphant over death and grave so that we by faith may enter into a relationship of love and fellowship with God. Jesus, crucified and risen from the dead, King of Kings and Lord of Lords!