the story of easter: part 1

the story of easter: part 1

Hi, friend! My name is Kaitlin and I lead the candle crew and Missions Committee here at the studio. Iā€™m so excited you are here! šŸ¤—

At Antique Candle Co.Ā®, we desire to give glory, honor and praise to Jesus Christ. We believe He is worthy of it all. šŸ™Œ As Easter approaches, we often take a minute to slow down and spend some time reflecting on who Jesus is and what He did for us. Itā€™s Palm Sunday today and we couldnā€™t think of a more perfect time to look at what the Bible says about Jesusā€™ journey to the cross. Over the next week, we invite you to join us as we rejoice and reflect on Christā€™s ultimate sacrifice in a three-part devotional series. As we remind ourselves of the Gospel message, we pray that you, too, will find hope and encouragement that Jesus has overcome! šŸ’–

Palm Sunday is just the beginning of Jesusā€™ resurrection story, but it represents SO much! The details in the story of Palm Sunday always fill my heart with joy and I hope that they can do the same for you.Ā As we begin the first part of our Easter series, would you read through Matthew 21: 1-11Ā (ESV)Ā with me?Ā 

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1Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, toĀ the Mount of Olives, then JesusĀ sent two disciples,Ā 2Ā saying to them,Ā ā€œGo into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me.Ā 3Ā If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ā€˜The Lord needs them,ā€™ and he will send them at once.ā€Ā 4Ā This took placeĀ to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying,
5Ā ā€œSay to the daughter of Zion,
ā€˜Behold, your king is coming to you,
Ā Ā Ā Ā humble, and mounted on a donkey,
Ā Ā Ā Ā on a colt,Ā the foal of a beast of burden.ā€™ā€
6Ā The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them.Ā 7Ā They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them.Ā 8Ā Most of the crowdĀ spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.Ā 9Ā And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting,Ā ā€œHosanna toĀ the Son of David!Ā Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! HosannaĀ in the highest!ā€Ā 10Ā AndĀ when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, ā€œWho is this?ā€Ā 11Ā And the crowds said, ā€œThis isĀ the prophet Jesus,Ā from Nazareth of Galilee.ā€

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Jesusā€™ entry into Jerusalem in such a humble way amazes me. Jesus identifies himself asĀ LordĀ at the beginning of the passage, but he is willing to humbly enter Jerusalem - knowing fully the events to come. The people of Jerusalem expected for God to enter in extravagant fashion; after all, he is God! However, Jesusā€™ entry was unexpected and curious! It was a display of love and represented that the Son of God was and is for everyone. He is for the rich and the poor. He is for the hurting and the healing. He is for the lost and the found. He is for YOU and for me. He is forĀ everyone - no matter their past! How beautiful & loving is that truth!?

Did you notice how the crowds responded to Jesusā€™ arrival? They laid what they had at the feet of Jesus and they worshipedĀ Him. They werenā€™t offering the finest jewels or linens. Instead, they took the clothing from their backs and branches of trees nearby and laid them on the ground in front of Jesus. How powerful! Jesus meets us right where we are - no matter what we have to offer Him. How good and gracious is he!?Ā 

Then the crowd praised Him. When they shoutedĀ ā€œpraiseĀ God,ā€ they were saying the word "hosanna", meaning savior. They knew who Jesus was and what the promises of the Lord were. Hosanna in the highest. šŸ™Œ PSST: Two songs that have been on my heart as Iā€™ve been reading through these set of verses are Gratitude by Brandon Lake & Hosanna by Hillsong Worship. If you love music as a form of worship, then Iā€™d encourage you to give them a listen!

As I reflect on this passage, I want to praiseĀ Jesus for his abounding love for everyone and for meeting us right where we are. What are you praising God for today? Leave a comment below so we can glorify Him together. šŸ’•

Read Part 2

Behind The Scenes Easter Walking in Faith
the story of easter: part 2
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