March 29, 2026 — Palm Sunday
Today at Loxa Presbyterian Church, we gathered for Palm Sunday as we begin the sacred journey into Holy Week and prepare our hearts for Easter.
A special thank you to Chris Walters for sharing today's message and helping lead us into this meaningful season through Exodus 12 and Matthew 21.
At first glance, these two passages may seem far apart. One tells of the first Passover, and the other tells of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. But together, they reveal one powerful truth: God had a plan of salvation all along.
In Exodus 12, God instructed His people to sacrifice a lamb without blemish and place its blood over their doorposts. That lamb became a sign of protection, mercy, and deliverance. Through that sacrifice, God spared His people and led them out of bondage.
Then in Matthew 21, we see Jesus entering Jerusalem as the crowds shout, "Hosanna!" and wave palm branches in praise.
A royal horse would have seemed more fitting for a king. Instead, Jesus continued to contradict expectations as He began His journey to the cross. He came riding on a donkey, a symbol of humility, peace, and gentleness.
He did not come to establish an earthly kingdom built on power. He came to bring a far greater victory over sin, death, and separation from God.
And this is where Exodus 12 and Matthew 21 come together so beautifully:
At Passover, the people sacrificed a lamb. On Palm Sunday, the Lamb of God entered Jerusalem.
Jesus was not simply attending Passover. He was becoming the sacrifice.
He willingly entered the city where He knew suffering awaited Him. He knew the cross was coming, and yet He came anyway.
That is love. That is obedience. That is salvation.
Palm Sunday reminds us that Jesus was not swept into the events of Holy Week. He walked into them on purpose.
He came not to be served, but to serve. Not to take life, but to lay down His own. Not to wear a crown of gold, but soon a crown of thorns.
As we enter Holy Week, we are reminded that our faith is rooted not only in celebration, but in sacrifice. The King we worship is also the Lamb who was given for us.
Remember in Prayer:
We continue to lift up those in our church family and community who are in need of comfort, healing, peace, and strength. Please keep in your prayers: Don Pankey's wife, Janice Hanley LaBougeois, Dana Shick, Joyce Warner, Kyle Walters, Sue Elliot, Ann Roley, Megan Symonds, Brendan, Jesse, Jeff King, Damien White, Karl Nelson, Emily's friend Jamie, Jodi Ellison, and Jared.
We also pray for Gary Stephen and his ministry, that he may continue to reach, rescue, and encourage those who need to know the love of God.
Let us also remember to pray for leaders in our homes, our church, our community, our state, and our nation, that they may be guided with wisdom, humility, and faith.
As we begin this Holy Week, may we walk prayerfully, worship deeply, and remember the One who entered Jerusalem in humility so that we might have life through Him.
"Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey…" — Matthew 21:5
Sunday Worship at 10:30 AM. You're always welcome.