Category: Holy Week

Holy Week, Sermon

This Is The One – A Palm Sunday Sermon On Matthew 21:1-11

Palm Sunday – Matthew 21:1-11 Most years Palm Sunday tends to focus on the palms. But not this year. This year there is no palm procession. We’re not waving our palms and children aren’t having sword fights with theirs. We’re not walking into the church together singing All glory, laud, and honor and “the lips of children [are not making] sweet hosannas ring.” There are … Continue reading This Is The One – A Palm Sunday Sermon On Matthew 21:1-11

Michael K. Marsh2 Comments
Sermon, Holy Saturday, Matthew 27:57-66, Death, Future, Impossible
Holy Week, Sermon

Sitting In Opposition – A Sermon On Matthew 27:57-66 For Holy Saturday

Holy Saturday – Matthew 27:57-66 I am always struck by the contrast between this day, Holy Saturday, and the rest of Holy Week. The crowds, shouting, and turmoil of Good Friday have given way to silence and stillness. There is no meal or intimacy like on Maundy Thursday. The excitement and hope of Palm Sunday’s triumphal entry have ended with two women and a sealed … Continue reading Sitting In Opposition – A Sermon On Matthew 27:57-66 For Holy Saturday

Michael K. Marsh6 Comments
Sermon, Holy Week, Crucifixion, John 18:1-19:42
Holy Week, Sermon

Aligning Our Lives – A Sermon On John 18:1-19:42 For Good Friday

We tend to let the cross and Jesus’ death overshadow not only this day, but the entirety of our faith, as if it is the thing and the only thing. But what if it’s just one more thing, one among many? I do not mean to diminish or negate the cross on this day. But there is more to Jesus, his life, and this day than just his cross and death. It’s a part of the story but it’s not the whole story. So I want to try and enlarge the meaning of the cross and this day. Continue reading Aligning Our Lives – A Sermon On John 18:1-19:42 For Good Friday

Michael K. Marsh4 Comments
Holy Week, Sermon

This Is Our Night – A Sermon On John 13:1-17, 31-35 For Maundy Thursday

Maundy Thursday – John 13:1-17, 31-35 “You will never wash my feet,” Peter says to Jesus. What’s that about? What’s going on with Peter?  I don’t know but I have a guess. I think it’s about more than having his feet washed. In fact, I don’t think it’s even about his feet. I think it’s about feeling vulnerable, exposed, and uncertain about taking his share … Continue reading This Is Our Night – A Sermon On John 13:1-17, 31-35 For Maundy Thursday

Michael K. Marsh12 Comments
Holy Week, Sermon

Judas, More Than A Betrayer? – A Sermon On John 13:21-32 For Wednesday In Holy Week

Wednesday in Holy Week – John 13:21-32 What comes to mind when you hear the name Judas?  For most of us, I suspect, the first thing we think of is betrayal. Judas is the one who betrayed Jesus. Judas is the one who made a deal with the authorities. Judas is the one who sold out. Judas is the one who “went out” into the … Continue reading Judas, More Than A Betrayer? – A Sermon On John 13:21-32 For Wednesday In Holy Week

Michael K. Marsh6 Comments
Holy Week, Sermon

A Weak and Troubled Soul – A Sermon On John 12:20-36 For Tuesday In Holy Week

When has your soul has been troubled? What troubles your soul today? What’s it like for you to recognize and feel your own weakness? Are you scared, embarrassed, ashamed? Do you feel inadequate, defective, vulnerable? What’s your prayer in those times, “Father save me from this hour?”  Continue reading A Weak and Troubled Soul – A Sermon On John 12:20-36 For Tuesday In Holy Week

Michael K. Marsh6 Comments
Sermon, John 12:1-11, Holy Week, Monday in Holy Week, Unconditional
Holy Week, Sermon

What Really Matters? – A Sermon On John 12:1-11 For Monday In Holy Week

What really matters to you? What really matters for the life you want to live? What matters so much to you that when it is ignored, forgotten, denied, covered up, it becomes the matter with you? Like when someone asks you, “What’s the matter with you?” not in a negative, critical way but in a caring, concerned way. What really matters to you?  Continue reading What Really Matters? – A Sermon On John 12:1-11 For Monday In Holy Week

Michael K. Marsh8 Comments
Harrowing of Hell, Resurrection, Death, Holy Saturday, Tomb, Entombment of Christ, John 19:38-42
Holy Week, Sermon

What Have You Laid In The Tomb? – A Holy Saturday Sermon On John 19:38-42

“They laid Jesus there,” in the tomb (John 19:42). At one level that’s a literal-historical statement of what happened next. At another level it’s about you and me. We’ve all come to the tomb. We’ve laid in the tomb our family and friends, loves, hopes, dreams, relationships, parts of our selves and our lives. I wonder, what have you laid in the tomb this Holy Week? This past year?  Continue reading What Have You Laid In The Tomb? – A Holy Saturday Sermon On John 19:38-42

Michael K. Marsh1 Comment