I will go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. (John 14)
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Jesus is always about getting things ready for you. Jesus is marching His way to the Cross. Salvation. Christ makes everything ready. They drew near to Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately as you enter it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it. (Mark 11)
Palm Sunday
Everything is ready. Just as Jesus said. The donkey is ready to carry Christ the King into the holy city. Palm branches are laid before the King. Jesus rides in to battle your sin. Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!” (Mark 11)
Maundy Thursday
Everything is ready. “Go into the city to a certain man and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, My time is at hand. I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.’” The disciples did as Jesus had directed them. (Matthew 26)
Just as Jesus said. Everything is ready. All preparation complete. The upper room is ready for Jesus and His Disciples. Jesus Instituting the Lord's Supper. Christ’s Body and Blood for you to eat and drink for the forgiveness of sin. In every Communion Service the Words of Jesus from Maundy Thursday are declared. Jesus serving His Disciples.
Good Friday
Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. All of Jesus preparation intersects at the CROSS. Jesus does SALVATION. Salvation full and free in the BLOOD OF CHRIST. You were a lost and condemned person. Jesus comes to save sinners. Jesus declares from the Altar of the Cross: “It is Finished.”
The day of Preparation. You are died for. Your sins are buried in the Body of Christ. Everything is DONE. All is READY. In Christ’s death and resurrection. Come to hear Christ’s living Word proclaimed for sinners. The Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations. (Luke 24)
Gladly hear God's Word. Gladly believe all of Christ’s FINISHED work for you. Tell those who are invited, “See, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is READY. Come to the wedding feast.”’ (Matthew 22)
Holy Week
There are a number of opportunities to come and hear Christ’s saving work for you. The ultimate of God's love. Christ Crucified and Risen. God's Steadfast Love that endures forever. Salvation is not potential – but FINISHED. You sins are forgiven.
Repent and believe the Gospel. Happy living in Christ’s saving work for you. Everything is READY. Gather around God's Word. Believe and confess Christ the Lord. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (Revelation 1)
Blessed Holy Week. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.