We enact through ritual, the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. The mood shifts, however, with the reading of the Passion account later in worship. Matthew unfolds twenty-one scenes in telling the story. Hold your palm branches while prayerfully reading Matthew’s Passion throughout the day, a few scenes at a time.
Matthew wants us to feel the connection of this Passion with the Infancy Narrative. Now the chief priests, scribes, and elders are in the place of Herod. As Jesus partakes of the Passover meal with his apostles, he relives the Exodus theme, just as he did in the flight to Egypt. Matthew alone tells the story of the death of Judas, the dead rising at the moment of Jesus’ death, and the guards to be placed at the tomb. The New Testament’s only references to God’s appearance through dreams are in the divine messages to Joseph and to Pilate’s wife.
What does the Holy Spirit tell you personally, as you pray?
What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: “Not my will but Thine be done.” 26:42
Sundays are dedicated to the Gospels from the Revised Common Lectionary.
During Lent and Easter, we read from the Gospel of John.
For all the Firestarters I recommend the ebook. You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these introductions with you on your phone or tablet. Check the menu options at the site for more information.
The Bible Through the Seasons 