First Community Church 03.24.24 Glen Miles -Sermon Songs of Loudest Praise

Palm Sunday Holy Week begins this weekend with Palm Sunday, the day we recall Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. My sermon, "Songs of Loudest Praise," is based on John 12:12-16. John's version of this story is briefer than the other three gospels. It is a bit quieter, too. The disciples are confused; the crowd is there for another miracle or two, but a shadow is clouding the day. The reader knows the cross looms in the future for Jesus, but the crowds and the followers have no idea. Our worship service begins, like the parade back in Jesus' day 2000 years ago, with palms waving, people singing, and the congregation celebrating. But that same cloud from 2000 years ago is present as well. In the sermon, I'll look ahead and wonder with you, where are we in this story? Are we ready to follow Jesus in the name of love? Are we prepared to give ourselves to each other and the world in the name of grace? These are not easy questions to answer, nor is this journey to the empty tomb on Easter Sunday an easy one to embark upon. Like most things that matter, though, the journey begins when we take the first step.