Journey to the Cross

Pause

We too must walk the road to Jerusalem

with our Lord beside — with Jesus, our Guide.

It is a road we must all travel —

the place where we must go to lay down ourselves,

so that we may be raised up together with Christ in new life.

Listen

Now this happened to fulfill what the prophet said, Say to Daughter Zion, “Look, your king is coming to you, humble and riding on a donkey, and on a colt the donkey’s offspring.”

Matthew 21:4-5

Think

We like our presents to come in big boxes and pretty wrapping. Somehow we have come to associate size and appearance with value and worth. In “white elephant” gift exchanges at Christmas, people get to pick gifts without knowing who brought it or what’s inside. It’s easy to be lured by what we see on the outside when choosing. The best gift, however, does not always come in the prettiest paper.

Jesus was in no way the king they had expected. He was born in a stable, worked as a carpenter, and was homeless; yet, he was God in human form. His kingship was not about looking a certain way, flexing his muscles, or showing himself off at all, but about showing off God. His ministry included healing, helping, and sharing God’s love with others.

Those who choose to follow Christ strive to live as Christ did, to be the best possible representation of Christ in the world so that others might see him through us and welcome him into their lives as king.

Kathy Culmer

Pray

I thank you, O God, for those who have shared your love with me by their witness and the examples of their lives. May I do the same for others so that they may know your love, your goodness, and your loving kindness, and knowing those things, desire to have a relationship with you for themselves. Amen.

Go

Love has made a way. Choose it.

Love has made a way. Walk in it.

Love has made a way. Share it.

Do not fear going to Jerusalem or laying down your life for the sake of others. Jesus has made a way, shown us the way, and will be our way through.