This message explores the story of Palm Sunday through the lens of a mirror and challenges us not to assume we are "good soil." It invites us to hold up a mirror as we examine the four characters of the familiar Palm Sunday passage and see where we find ourselves.

Jesus clarifies both the law and the practice of divorce. He addresses the misplaced allegiance & displaced loyalty of his audience, redirecting their focus from the law to creation’s intent. He peels back the veil of obligatory obedience to black-and-white laws to emphasis loyalty. And Jesus pushes us to see people as sacred, to see people as image bearers not objects for our discard. 

And then Jesus reminds the people that they are a people of covenant, which is a sacred agreement between them and God himself.

He starts this reminder with

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It’s no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭13‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Jesus often spoke in picture illustrations so that his audience would relate. He captured the ordinary and turned it divine. By likening himself to bread, he communicated that we need him to live, that he alone satisfies. By likening himself to a shepherd, a common profession in the time and region of Jesus, he communicated that he will lay down his life for us and protect us from enemies. 

I believe Galatians 5:26-6:10 provides us with application insight on how to live out love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

When I was a younger mom, raising Brayden through elementary school, I realized I needed to be his advocate on behalf of him with his teachers and administrators. 

It was my role to cheer him on, redirect him if necessary, and ensure his work was done.

August 7, 2020, was a quiet morning. I prepared my coffee and oatmeal, the Holy Spirit brought to my mind the story of Jesus and the man who had to bury his father.