New Day Christian Church children and youth meet every Sunday at 9:30 following worship in the Kid’s Club rooms. Enjoy this weekly message from the children’s church leader, Michael Townsend. Join us for Easter Service next week.
Greetings, brothers and sisters in Christ and children of God,
How was your week? Was it a long week or was it quick? Was it rough, or did everything go smoothly? Either way, a lot can happen in a week, wouldn’t you agree? Christ had many rough days, but I think it is safe to say his final week was very difficult.
This Sunday has been labeled as Palm Sunday. I say labeled because it is not a holiday in the bible, but was created by man in the 4th century to remember and celebrate Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. This was the beginning of the end for Jesus on earth, and all that he had been speaking to his disciples regarding his death was soon to come.
As Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey, which was prophesied (Zechariah 9:9), people heard the news and they came with palm branches waving and laying palms on the ground for the animal to walk on. It was a sign of royalty, and the Jews saw Jesus as their king. However, things would change within seven days, from praising a king to killing a man.
If you have ever read the scriptures of his final week, you know that a lot happened. I will sum it up briefly using the Book of Matthew. Sunday: Jesus enters Jerusalem (Mt 21:1-11), Monday: Jesus cleanses the temple (Mt 21:12-13), Tuesday: Jesus teaches in the temple and his authority is questioned (Mt 21:23-27; 21:28-23:39), Wednesday: Plot against Jesus (Mt 26:14-16), Thursday: Final Passover meal and betrayal (Mt 26:17-29), Friday: Jesus was arrested, tried, crucified, died, and buried (Mt 26:47-27:66). As I said, a lot can happen in seven days.
Although Jesus’ week was difficult and probably felt long, it was only seven days. It would be three days before hope was restored to the disciples. Let’s just say that Jesus rested on that seventh day, which would mirror what his Father did after creating the world in seven days. On that third day, after a long and difficult week, and he lay buried in a tomb, Jesus came alive again and showed his followers there is life after death, and this eternal life is available to all who believe in Christ.
I am here to tell you that beyond the cross is a tomb and that tomb is empty, for Christ has risen. There is much more to the death and resurrection of Christ and to the Passover, and the other six feasts, which all encompass Christ. I encourage you to seek the story that has changed many lives.
Last week, the little lambs continued the story of Moses as he led the Israelites through the Red Sea and into the wilderness. In a few weeks, we will continue this story to see how God protected and provided for the Israelites during their time in the wilderness. This week, we will be discussing the triumphal entry of Jesus as we begin to prepare our hearts and minds for the Passover celebration and the First Fruits, also known as Resurrection Sunday.
I look forward to worshiping the Lord God Almighty with you tomorrow with songs of praise and dancing before Him who gave His son over to death so that we may have life. If for whatever reason I do not see you tomorrow, may the Lord bless you with peace, joy, and may He guide you with a lamp at your feet and comfort you and heal you when you need it.
God bless you
Your brother in Christ,
Michael (aka Mr. Michael)
