March 19, 2018

Who Is This King of Glory?

Flora Slosson Wuellner | Read Philippians 2:5-8

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Lectionary Week

March 19 25, 2018

Scripture Overview

This week’s readings prepare us for Palm Sunday, a joyous event. Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey, a symbol of kingship in ancient Israel. The people greet him with loud acclamations. He is coming in the name of the Lord! Standing along the road leading into Jerusalem, how could anyone imagine what would happen that following week? Wasn’t Jesus finally going to manifest the fullness of God’s power, take his place on the throne of David, and overthrow the Romans? No, because that was not his mission. He came not to build an earthly kingdom but to lay aside his rights. He came to be glorified by being humiliated . . . for us. He came to suffer and die . . . for us.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

• Read Isaiah 50:4-9a. What situations have called you to move forward in vulnerability, “knowing that God promises not safety but limitless strength”?
• Read Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29. When have you claimed God’s strength to see you through “the gates of righteousness”?
• Read Mark 11:1-11, 15-18. In a trying time in your life, when have you turned to the love and care of friends? How have you experienced God’s entering your life calmly and gently?
• Read Philippians 2:5-11. How does this early Christian hymn of the church speak to you as you enter Holy Week?

Respond by posting a prayer.

Through this hymn of the early Christian church, we enter into what has been traditionally known as Passion Week. For centuries this week was set apart, along with Holy Week, as the culmination of Lenten devotions.
During these two final weeks of Jesus’ life, he emphasized prayer and works of...

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God of mercy, God of healing, help me in my reflections and experiences of this day to see into your heart more fully and to respond to the mystery of your love more deeply. In the name and light of Jesus. Amen.

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