REVved - Palm Sunday, 3 Converts, and a Donkey

Palm Sunday 2008 at FBC was a great day.  For years, we’ve had adults wave palm branches in services and have followed a more traditional approach to celebrating Palm Sunday.  As we planned for this year, I  suggested that we think outside the box of past traditions and consider having a donkey in church.  You can imagine the responses:  “A real donkey?”  “In church?”  “Have you considered the possible down side?” (You can guess what they were thinking!)  “Where do we find a donkey?”

 Not “our” donkey, but a donkey, and her colt, similar to the ones Jesus requested on the first Palm Sunday.

After some joking and further conversation, the plan was hatched.  Some of the Sunday School kids would wave palm branches, following the donkey down the center aisle of church.  The donkey would keep going, out the door, making a big loop, and the kids would stay and sing with our choir.  It worked like a charm.  Three times!  And “Nestor the Donkey,” behaved like a perfect gentleman. (Though he could have used some donkey deodorant!)  One of my favorite responses was from a lady who said, “I saw the donkey and started crying, just thinking of the humility of Jesus.”  She got the point!

I preached from John 12:12–19 – “Don’t Let the Donkey Fool You.” (Also the title of a song written by our Director of Worship and sung earlier in the service.)  In the sermon I looked at four ways in which Jesus was misunderstood when He rode into Jerusalem that day…and still is today.

1. The PHARISEES – Felt Threatened – “Jesus Has to Be Killed”

2. The CROWD – Were Dazzled – “Jesus Has to Be King”

3. The ROMAN SOLDIERS – Were Underwhelmed – “Jesus Has to Be Kidding”

4. The DISCIPLES – Were Confused – “Jesus Has to Be Kissed Goodbye”

At the end of each sermon, I extended an invitation for people to trust in Christ.  After the final service, 3 people raised their hand to express a desire to become believers in Jesus.  Praise the Lord! 

I’m still on the mountaintop, celebrating an amazing weekend.  And I think we have a new Palm Sunday tradition – a guest donkey on Palm Sunday!

 

Comments

[Anna Thorne]

So glad I was back for this, so disappointed I have to leave again after next week!

[Sandy]

MHR,
Bill and I loved having Nestor in the Sat. eve. service. What a great way to lead into the Passion week!! We are looking forward to the Good Friday service and Resurrection Sunday!!

[Rev F Orr-Ewing]

Hi Bill
im a fan of live donkeys - managed to bring in 2 for palm sunday in Oxford, and then last 2 years for Christmas eve. Im sorry to say that the last 2 years the donkey has done what donkeys do in the church building! However - the local residents and children LOVE it and I think the donkey will be a regular feature.

Do have a look at Uganda news on my blog - just come back from an exciting trip,
frog