Embracing the Spirit of Palm Sunday: A Call to Serve and Invite

Today marks Palm Sunday in the Christian calendar, a day filled with significance and symbolism. It's the day when Jesus made his triumphant entry into Jerusalem, riding on a donkey amidst shouts of joy and waving palm leaves. As we reflect on this moment, we recognize that the excitement of that day quickly turned into a somber week, culminating in tragedy. However, this was all part of a divine plan that many, including the disciples, struggled to understand.

This pivotal moment occurred during Passover, a traditional Jewish celebration that commemorates the Israelites' exodus from Egypt. Jesus shared what we now call the Last Supper with his disciples, marking a significant event that sets the tone for Holy Week. Today, we will explore the Last Supper and the profound lessons we can learn from it.

Invitation to Gather

Have you ever hosted a Super Bowl party or a child's birthday party? These gatherings often come with a casual vibe, where the focus is on enjoying each other's company rather than creating elaborate invitations. Most of us keep it simple, sending a quick text or making a phone call to invite friends over. Yet, when it comes to inviting someone to church or a meaningful event like Easter, we often overthink it.

In our minds, we may imagine scenarios where we worry about how the invitation will be received. I often find myself practicing what I will say in the car, even catching strange looks from other drivers. But here's the truth: inviting someone to join us for Easter is one of the most powerful things we can do.

Research by Tom Rayner reveals that 18% of people respond positively to an invitation they see on Facebook. If we send out a postcard, that number increases to 41%. However, the most compelling statistic is that 51% of people respond positively to a personal invitation. This just shows the weight that a heartfelt invitation carries.

When someone says, "I love my church, and I think you would too. Would you come sit by me?" it has a profound impact. It's different than a casual recommendation to a restaurant; it's an invitation to be part of something meaningful.

The Heart of Serving

As we reflect on the significance of serving, we can look to Jesus in Mark 10, where he emphasizes that he came not to be served, but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many. This is the essence of our mission, especially as we approach Easter. It's a time to remember the incredible gift God gave us through Jesus, and the resurrection that changes everything.

Jesus did not come to rule earthly kingdoms or seek power; he came to serve all of humanity. As we read in John 13, just before the Last Supper, Jesus begins washing the disciples' feet. This act is shocking and humbling, revealing the heart of a servant leader.

When Jesus washed the disciples' feet, he demonstrated his character without saying a word. He showed them what it means to serve. The act of washing feet was not just a physical act but a deep lesson in humility and love.

Understanding the Lesson

In John 13:12-17, after washing their feet, Jesus asks the disciples if they understand what he has done. He tells them that since he, their Lord and Teacher, has washed their feet, they ought to wash each other's feet. This is a call to action, a reminder that true leadership is found in serving others.

He continues to emphasize that no servant is greater than their master, and those who know these things will be blessed for doing them. This is a powerful reminder for us as we navigate our daily lives. Are we willing to serve others and extend that same love and humility Jesus demonstrated?

Connecting Knowledge and Action

Often, there’s a disconnect between what we know about Jesus and how we live. We might have a wealth of knowledge about our faith, but do we put it into practice? This is where many of us struggle. We might remember the popular phrase, "What Would Jesus Do?" It's a simple yet profound question that can guide our actions.

Being a Christ follower means filtering our actions through the lens of Jesus' teachings. It’s not just about knowing facts; it’s about embodying the character of Christ in our daily interactions. We need to connect our learning to living out our faith in practical ways.

Being hospitable, listening to others, and reaching out to those who feel marginalized are essential aspects of living like Jesus. He welcomed everyone, regardless of their background or status, and we are called to do the same.

Creating a Welcoming Community

Imagine Coffee Creek as a vibrant community filled with individuals who once felt lost but now find a spiritual home here. In a world where loneliness is at an all-time high, we have the opportunity to be a source of hope and connection.

Our mission is to create a welcoming environment where everyone feels they belong. This is the power of hospitality and friendship. We can make a difference by simply being present for others, listening, and extending a warm invitation to join us.

Let’s focus on making the most of every chance we get to share the good news. Whether at school, work, or in our neighborhoods, we should be intentional about reaching out and inviting others into our community.

Practical Steps to Serve

This week, I encourage you to roll up your sleeves and take action. Create a welcoming environment, whether it’s at home, at work, or at church. Consider inviting someone for coffee or simply spending time with a neighbor. Acts of kindness can be transformative.

We are also preparing for Easter, and there are numerous ways to get involved. Volunteer to help create a welcoming atmosphere during our Easter services. Whether it's greeting guests, helping with children's programs, or simply being attentive to those who may feel out of place, every effort counts.

As we lead up to Easter, let’s focus on serving others, just as Jesus served us. Let’s be the welcome that others need and demonstrate the love of Christ in tangible ways. Together, we can make this Easter a time of celebration and connection.

Conclusion: The Call to Action

As we reflect on the events of Palm Sunday and the teachings of Jesus, let’s commit to living out our faith through service and hospitality. We have an incredible opportunity to invite others to experience the love of Christ and to be part of our community. Let’s embrace this calling and make a lasting impact in the lives of those around us.

Join us this Easter as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and the hope it brings. Together, we can create a welcoming environment that extends beyond our church walls and into our community.