"Who Do You Say That I Am?"

The service began with Pastor Brad welcoming us to the beginning of Holy Week. He reminded us of last week's message, especially noting that Jesus knows the burdens we carry.

Today is Palm Sunday and Brad commented that it was a day of momentary elation for His followers during the Lord's entrance into Jerusalem. Brad invited to enter into the story.

Announcements included an apology for the busy-ness of this week, but began with mentioning the Good Friday service at 7:00. Duane thanks all who have come to our needs assessment meetings and said there are two more, at 4:00 pm this afternoon to discuss music, worship and stage ministries, and 6:00 pm Monday for a discussion on overall facilities.

Brooke shared that Wednesday evening will be our last Adventure Club this season. VBS is just around the corner though, on the theme Pandamania. Next Sunday there will be an Easter Breakfast along with an Easter Egg Hunt for kids.

Darlene played Great Is Thy Faithfulness as an introit today preceding a time of worship. The Scripture reading was from Matthew 21:1-11. Ed Newman followed with today's special music, The Holy City, accompanied by Darlene on the piano.

Who Do You Say That I Am?

"Who is this Jesus?" That's what the people were saying when He entered Jerusalem at the commencement of Holy Week. It's a question that has caused controversy for two thousand years now, even from His birth which was announced a "good news of great joy."

The week began with great excitement. There were an estimated two-and-a-half million people gathered for Passover that week. No one who saw Jesus enter Jerusalem on the back of a donkey to crowds waving palms could have guessed the week would end in a tomb. The excitement of that Palm Sunday entrance can be compared to Times Square on New Year's Eve.

Jesus knew what lay ahead for Him and it undoubtedly weighed on Him. A cross, brutal suffering, death and separation from the Father. His disciples, whom He had been training for leadership were still acting more like followers. Instead of taking initiative to set up a place for the Passover meal, which would be their last supper together, they came to Him asking what to do, what next, etc. Jesus responded patiently, as always, with understanding.

The three features of Jesus' birth continue to be relevant today. He is our Savior, the one who died for our sins, saving us from the consequences of our sin and forgiving us.

He is also the Messiah, the one whom the Hebrews were looking for who would fulfill all the was written. Messiah means "deliver us from death." Indeed, He is the one in whom we find life.

Jesus is also Lord, leader, here to lead our lives now.

Jesus is longing to spend time with us this week. He is inviting into this story... to receive Him as our own personal Savior, Messiah and Lord.