Journey to the Cross

Pause

Pause. Take the deepest breath you've taken all day.

Use this moment to choose stillness in the midst of news and crisis.

Place yourself into the story – into God's story.

Let God enter your mind and your heart today.

Listen

Now a large crowd spread their clothes on the road. Others cut palm branches off the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds in front of him and behind him shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” And when Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up. “Who is this?” they asked. The crowds answered, “It’s the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.”

Matthew 21:8-11

Think

Why do people celebrate another person’s arrival into the community, into their lives? For lots of reasons… Because they feel inspired by this person and wish to have more inspiration. Because they are curious and have questions and want to see for themselves the person they’ve heard so much about. Because they need relief from a problem and believe that this person can bring the relief.

All of these reasons and more are likely behind the branches being waved and laid down for the passing of this person – of Jesus.

The question for you is: why do you celebrate Jesus’ arrival into your day, into your life today and tomorrow and every day? Are you curious? Inspired? In need of healing and comforting? Skeptical? (Because surely the doubters were also by the side of the road and watching.)

Lay your reasons for seeking to see Jesus “on the road.” Place your questions into Jesus’ path. Let your reasons for needing Jesus be seen. Be approached by Jesus. Be a part of the story. Why do you celebrate Jesus’ arrival into your life?

Gina Yeager-Buckley

Pray

Jesus, I celebrate your presence in my life by remembering this today: ______ (Think of the thing that you feel excited about, grateful for, or curious about because of the person of Jesus.) And I give thanks that celebrating is a part of my journey with you. Amen.

Go

Go into the next moment of your life with a sense of celebration, of gratitude, of curiosity, and with the knowledge that you are a part of God’s story. Each and every line of it.