Review:   As we make the transition from our study of Ecclesiastes to Holy Week, can you think of some point of connection or intersection between the two?  (Consider the ideas surrounding hevel, the upside-down gospel, "life under the sun," etc. and how Holy Week might cast a different light on those.)

Take a moment in prayer, welcoming the Spirit's presence. Then read John 12:12-19.  What stands out to you about the story? 

Ralph talked about the difference it made for him picturing Jesus from behind as He entered Jerusalem vs. picturing Jesus coming toward him as he stood within Jerusalem.  What difference do you think this makes to our understanding of Jesus' Triumphal Entry?

Our theme this year for Holy Week is "see and believe."  Ralph pointed out that John 1:19 - John 11:44 is known to some scholars as The Book of Signs. Consider the signs below that Jesus performed. How do they help you to believe? How do they help you enter more fully into the spirit of worship and celebration of Palm Sunday?  

• Jesus turns water into wine (John 2:1-11). The Lord of nature.

• Jesus heals the royal official's son (John 4:46-54). The Lord of time and space/distance.

• Jesus heals the man who had been lame for 38 years (John 5:1-15). The Restorer of lost powers/Lord of Sabbath.

• Jesus feeds the 5000 (John 6:1-15). The Bread of Life.

• Jesus walks on water (John 6:15-21). Our Guide & Helper in time of trouble.

• Jesus heals the man born blind (John 9:1-41). The Light of the world.

• Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead (John 11:1-45). The Lord of life.

The people in Jerusalem shout "Hosanna!" as Jesus enters riding on a donkey.  Hosanna means "Save us now" or "Deliver us."   What does this tell us about the people's expectations of Jesus as He enters Jerusalem? Where do you long to see deliverance from Jesus in your life? ​​

In the other gospel accounts, we see people threw down not only their palm fronds in worship, but also their cloaks.  Ralph highlighted that we often find ourselves "cloaked" in shame, guilt, addiction, control, and need, among other things.  What do you find yourself "cloaked" with, and how can you make that an offering of worship to the Lord?

 On the road to Emmaus in Luke 24 Jesus came alongside two of His disciples, but they didn't recognize that it was Him.  He explained to them all the Scriptures that speak of the Messiah needing to suffer and die.  On Palm Sunday, the crowds came with all sorts of expectations, from indifference to excitement to anger to fear.  Why do you think it's important to base our expectations of Jesus on Scripture rather than just our own personal needs and desires?

This week, whenever you find yourself burdened, worried, or in pain, in your mind's eye try to lay that down on the path before Jesus–make it an offering in worship to Him.​