Consider the Word, March 30, 2023

Consider the Word, March 30, 2023
Email stpauls@pei.aibn.com for the link to the Bible Study.
 
Readings for April 2, Palm Sunday

• Matthew 21:1-11
• Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29

 
Collect:

Almighty and everliving God,

in tender love for all our human race

you sent your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ

to take our flesh

and suffer death upon a cruel cross.

May we follow the example of his great humility,

and share in the glory of his resurrection;

through Jesus Christ our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever. Amen.

 
The Gospel: Matthew 21:1-11

When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, "Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, just say this, 'The Lord needs them.' And he will send them immediately." This took place to fulfil what had been spoken through the prophet, saying, "Tell the daughter of Zion, Look, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey." The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!" When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, "Who is this?" The crowds were saying, "This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee."

 
Reflection Question

1. Why a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey? What’s the message?
2. Why lay branches on the road? What’s the message?
3. How would you respond to the question, “who is this”?

 
Closing Prayer:

God of our salvation,

we give you thanks for Jesus Christ, our Lord,

who came in your name

and turned the lonely way of rejection and death

into triumph.

Grant us the steadfast faith

to enter the gates of righteousness,

that we may receive grace to become worthy citizens

of your holy realm. Amen.