BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD
Psalm 98:1-4, Matthew 21:1-11 Zechariah 9:8-12.
Beloved in the Lord, welcome to the Sunday Bible study on 29/03/2026, Palm Sunday with the thought of the week, _Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord._ We will be guided by Bible studies from Psalm 98:1-4, Matthew 21:1-11 and Zechariah 9:8-12 along with the song of the day, no. 1 TMW.* Along with explanations for some of these studies, I am attaching discussion questions at the end, soon;
First reading: Psalm 98:1-4
Basically, the book of Psalms is a book of songs that are accompanied by musical instruments as we read for example Psalm 150:1-6. I commend the various composers who strive to create their sounds so that people can sing because that is what was intended.
There are two ways to classify the psalms. One way is to divide the psalms into five groups whose content corresponds to the five books of the law. In the first group, which is called the first book, its content is similar to that of the book of Genesis (Psalms 1-41). The second book (Psalms 42-72) has a content similar to the book of Exodus. The third book (Psalms 73-89) has a content similar to the book of Leviticus, the fourth book (Psalms 90-106) where Psalm 98 falls, has a content similar to the Book of Numbers, i.e. the journey of the children of Israel. Finally, the fifth book (Psalms 107-150) which are psalms of praise and thanksgiving have a content close to that of Deuteronomy.
The second way is to divide the psalms by looking at the content, namely psalms of praise and thanksgiving, psalms of lamentation, psalms of ascent to Zion, psalms of asking God to intervene and take revenge or psalms of praying for the king. Then Psalm 98 falls into the psalms of praise and thanksgiving.
Psalm 98 is a song of thanksgiving and praise to God! It reminds us to sing a new song to the Lord because of his great deeds. The psalmist explains the reasons for singing a new song to God. He is the one who created us, he is the one who redeemed us and he rules over the whole earth. The invitation to praise God is for all people and all creatures on earth.
This psalm comes to us at this time when Jesus is going to the cross which is the basis of our salvation! The word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us it is the power that brings salvation (1 Cor. 1:18-20). By his stripes we have been healed!!!
A new song means that we should not praise God by habit or by simply fulfilling the rituals of worship. Praise and songs to God begin in the heart of a person! Let us praise our God with the mind and the heart.
Second lesson: Matthew 21:1-11
In this second lesson we read that as Jesus and his disciples were approaching Jerusalem, he sent two of his disciples to a village ahead of them where they would find a donkey and a colt to untie. That is what they did, they threw their clothes on them and Jesus sat on them. Zechariah clearly shows and emphasizes that the king who is coming to Zion is riding on a donkey and emphasizes, yes, a donkey’s colt as an example of the peace, humility and gentleness of Jesus. Jesus enters Jerusalem as a king of peace, gentle and humble! If only we understood the type of leadership that the Bishop emphasizes _KAIZEN,_ I think our institutions and our diocese would be a place where the gospel is preached and the sacraments are administered correctly. How many times have we boasted and seen that the success of the church has come from our strength and our intelligence and forgotten the place of God in our lives? How many times have we given others the opportunity to advise us to improve our performance or do we consider ourselves to have arrived? Jesus gives us an example of Christian life and good leadership; peace, gentleness and humility.
Lesson Three: Zechariah 9:8-12
Zechariah 9:8-12 is a message of hope for redemption. As we read in Psalm 98:1-4, Zechariah 9:8-12 is an invitation to rejoice and celebrate the coming of the righteous, the redeemer and the humble. Riding a donkey was a symbol of peace and humility. In addition, riding a donkey or a colt is to show that he came to ordinary people again without arrogance. In addition, Jesus also impressed upon his disciples by examples that Christian greatness is to serve people and not to enslave them. He uses this example, for example, when he washes his disciples’ feet and encourages them that this is how they should treat each other. We can evaluate ourselves as leaders today to what extent we still have the will of Jesus or to what extent we have lost it? Are we reaching ordinary people or are we only reaching those who have money? Are we drawing people to God or are we driving them away from their King and Savior? Does our ministry bring people hope for redemption or does it discourage them?
Question for discussion:
On the way to Jerusalem, Jesus continued his ministry as usual. Moreover, as he approached the cross, he created an environment for people to cheer for their savior. Even when the Pharisees asked him to stop his disciples from cheering for him, he insisted that if they would be silent, he would pick up stones to praise him as he went to the cross!
Today, we have tried to silence the congregation from praising God, from singing Hallelujah (Praise the Lord) or glory to God in the name of Lent. I wonder which side are we on; Jesus who asked them to cheer for him as he went to the cross or the Pharisees who silence people from cheering for him or praising Jesus as he went to the cross, who is the reason for their redemption? Usually, the soul or mind of a person creates or wants something to replace what is being removed; now I ask myself in a low voice,
When we silence these people of God from praising their savior in the name of Lent, who do we want them to praise instead? If we say GLORY, what do we want these little ones to sing instead? The cross is a symbol of victory and the reason for our joy. Why should we be silent and why should we silence those who see reason to rejoice in the victory of the cross?
Let us reflect together on the meaning of song number 22, Tenzi za Rohoni, sung, _Once I walked_
- Once I walked, burdened with sin, I lacked help, to heal my suffering.
Praise be to the cross
Praise be to the grave
That surpasses all
Praise be to the Savior
- Even when I arrived, the place of the cross suited me very well, I will never forget.
- That is the source of my joy. That is where the burden was lifted from me.
- At the place of the cross, a certificate of entry into heaven is given that is not of the church.
- The foolish man went without a certificate that he claimed to enter like those who have it.
- When he reached the gate, he was asked for a certificate to show the Lord and was found to have none.
- What saddens us is that you do not have to be like fools on the wedding day!
- From the side of Jesus came the blood of the fountain of life that purifies the soul.
- Strive to enter the blood of the Savior, and your sins will be washed from your soul_ .
May God help us so that our service will be a refuge for people to see Jesus the king of peace through us, Amen.