For March 31st, 2026

Excitement tempered with tragedy

Holy Week is a time when we remember the excitement that Jerusalem was teeming with. Large crowds of people had made long journeys to come to Jerusalem, a holy pilgrimage, to celebrate Passover. But this we as Christians remember the time that Jesus was there also. As much as people had come for Passover, some had also come because of Jesus’ ministry both before and after.

Jesus had been ministering and inviting people into and back into a closer relationship to God. People were drawn to Jesus’s teaching and to who Jesus was. Jesus’ teaching with love and grace, changed lives. People were excited about what God was doing in their midst. Jesus teaching during this time in Jerusalem drew great crowds and more lives were being changed, garden hearts were being softened, people were being healed. But as we look back, we also know what was to come, the arrest and crucifixion. The immense tragedy.

As we ourselves remember, we too are filled with hope but are reminded of the cost that that hope was given. May we remember and give thanks with all that we are.