Do Not Be Afraid

When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death as well, since it was on account of him that many of the Jews were deserting and were believing in Jesus. The next day the great crowd that had come to the festival heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord—the King of Israel!” Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it; as it is written: “Do not be afraid, daughter of Zion. Look, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt!” His disciples did not understand these things at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written of him and had been done to him. So the crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to testify. It was also because they heard that he had performed this sign that the crowd went to meet him. The Pharisees then said to one another, “You see, you can do nothing. Look, the world has gone after him!” John 12:9-19

Loving Creator, you put love in our hearts

you are with us in the depths of darkest night

you are with us in the first light of the morning

and with us as we prepare to cross over.

Our world is shocked by war's outbreak

we live in fear for our families and strangers

we wonder why such cruel conflicts occur

and fall to our knees praying for your help.

You were not afraid to face the roaring crowd

nor the cruel, divisive leaders who sought you

you knew the joy of that palm strewn parade

would led you to the hard wood of the cross.

Help us Lord to trust you completely today

let us be humble and willing to seek you

give us your fearlessness to face the future

and may all we do be for your love's sake. Amen.