Two thousand years ago, during the Hebrew celebration of Passover, Jesus entered Jerusalem amidst cheers … and also turmoil. So much was expected of him by his followers, who did not understand or accept his destiny as the savior who must die so that all may live.
Rev. Jesse Larson reads aloud from Matthew 21: 1-11 and talks about how unrealistic expectations can get the better of us. In letting God guide our lives, we learn how to put aside our own desires and wants and focus on what God would have us do instead.
Pianist Natalya Amelchenko presents several musical arrangements as well as two sing-along hymns:
Hosanna, Loud Hosanna
All Glory, Laud and Honor
Today’s worship service decorations feature palms—which the people of Jerusalem waved at Jesus—and the purple robe of royalty and crown, reminding us that the crowds expected Jesus to take charge and free them from the tyranny of Rome. You’ll notice pottery of all types; several are of the Japanese raku variety. Says Rev. Jesse Larson in today’s message, God is still working on us—like a potter works with clay, molding and shaping us so that we may be changed. And pottery, like many other things, is transient and fleeting and unpredictable; one can’t be sure how any planned project will turn out. God will help us embrace the imperfections in our lives.
