CCOG Newsletter

Once again, we celebrate Holy Week - the week leading up to the death and resurrection of Christ. Palm Sunday begins this week. This was the day that Jesus rode into Jerusalem to shouts of "Hosanna!", "Blessed be the one who comes in the Name of the Lord!" There was an expectation of triumph, a stirring which caused the weary to hope that this Jesus would rescue them from the powers of Rome. Monday was the clearing of the Temple. When Jesus went to His Father's house, He saw that the money changers were cheating the worshippers who had come to sacrifice for Passover. Rather than leave them to their devices, he fashioned a whip, flipped over their tables, and threw them out. On Tuesday, He was on the mountainside, teaching His final sermons and parables. This time, He taught about the destruction of the Temple - which would take place in AD 70 - and about what to expect before His second coming. By Wednesday, Judas had been overtaken by darkness of the soul and had agreed to betray Jesus for 30 silver coins. Maundy Thursday saw Jesus and His disciples (including Judas) gathering in the upper room to have the Passover meal. Here He instituted Communion, washed their feet, and prayed for them and for us. He was arrested, tried, convicted, and crucified by Friday. His body was placed in a nearby tomb. And all those who knew and loved Him could do was wait, for Holy Saturday was the Sabbath on which no work could be done. But early Sunday morning, at the breaking of the day, resurrection power brought Jesus back to life and brought Him out of the grave! So we celebrate, not just the excitement of resurrection, but also the pains and trials which led to that place; for there is no crown without a cross.

The road into Jerusalem was crowded that day. Palm branches swayed in the air. Voices rang out: “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” People expected a political savior, a revolutionary leader who would overthrow Rome and restore Israel’s glory.

But Jesus didn’t come on a war horse. He came riding a borrowed donkey. His entrance was not marked by displays of force but by prophecy fulfilled: “See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey” (Zechariah 9:9).

Jesus was showing them — and us — that his kingdom would be unlike any other. It would not be built by conquering armies but by conquering love. His reign would not be secured by violence but through sacrifice.

Humility often feels small, even hidden. But in God’s kingdom, it is the seed of transformation. Jesus approached the blind beggar, the despised tax collector, the children that others pushed aside. He noticed the overlooked.

We live in a world that rewards power, applause, and influence. Yet the King we follow calls us to stoop low, to serve quietly, to put others first. That’s not weakness — it’s the strength of heaven breaking into earth.

When we choose humility, we open the door for God’s hope to reach someone else. It might mean listening without rushing, making room at our table, or stepping into the life of someone who feels forgotten ... just as Jesus stepped into ours.

Reflection Question:

·Where might God be inviting you to lay down pride and choose humility?

·Who is one person you could serve this week without expecting anything in return?

Prayer:

Jesus, you are the King who came low, the Savior who served. Teach me to walk in humility, notice the overlooked, and bring your hope where it’s needed most. Amen.