March 29 Divine Service

And as He went, many spread their clothes on the road. Then, as He was now drawing near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen.

Luke 19: 36-37

Where are we in the Bible? 

After extensive travels, Jesus finally arrives at the goal of His journeying: Jerusalem. The Gospel of Luke provokes an interesting flashback to its second chapter, where Jesus was also in Jerusalem, teaching in the temple as a 12 year old boy. This time, instead of amazement, the response of the ruling elite will turn lethal. Yet, Jesus does not sneak into the city under cover of darkness; He enters with celebration, in full view of the cross that stands before Him.

As Jesus draws near, He weeps over Jerusalem (19:41-44). The name Jerusalem (in Hebrew, Yerushalayim), means foundation or vision (yeru) of peace (shalem/shalom). The “city of peace” did not know “the things that make for your peace” and did not recognize the King of Peace, the divine agent of its deliverance entering on a donkey. Some of those who celebrated Jesus’ arrival hoped for peace on earth; His disciples sang of peace in heaven. We will enter Jerusalem with Jesus to explore the tension in-between.

What are the key themes based on the Bible verse

1. Peace on earth

2. Peace in heaven

3. The tension in-between earth and heaven

Foundational readings:

Scripture Luke 19:28-44; Zechariah 9:9; John 18:33-37

Catechism 12.5.2, 3.4.7.1

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March sermon theme article click here to read

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View March 29 national USA Divine Service online NAC USA YouTube

Begins 10:15 am Eastern time with worship / 10:30 am opening hymn