For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. (1 Corinthians 1)
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Jesus is marching His way to the Cross. Salvation. Christ makes everything READY. 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 made READY. 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. Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey's colt!” (John 12)
Maundy Thursday
“Take, eat; this is my body.” He took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. (Matthew 26)
Jesus makes everything READY. All preparation complete. The upper room is ready for Jesus and His Disciples. Christ Institutes the Lord's Supper. Christ’s Body and Blood for you to eat and drink for the forgiveness of sin. The Words of Jesus from Maundy Thursday are declared in the Lord’s Supper. Jesus is the host. Jesus is the meal.
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.
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 Crucified and Risen.
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 believe Christ’s FINISHED work. 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
Passion Week. God's love for sinners. Christ Crucified and Risen. God's Steadfast Love that endures forever. Salvation is not potential – but FINISHED. Your sins are forgiven.
Repent and believe the Gospel. Everything is READY. Gather around God's Living Word. 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)
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.