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I remember standing in a room where they believe the “last supper” took place. I was about 16 years old, and visiting Israel with a group of adults from our church. Who knows if it was actually the room, or if somewhere an entire descended line continues to laugh for telling early Christians this playroom for children was once used for a final supper with Christ and His disciples. (the ultimate April fools joke?)

In either case, that moment among many of that trip – made Christ physical to me. Reminded me He was more than just a spiritual being, or a concept, or collection of fuzzy stories we tell to put children to sleep or get them to behave. Christ walked this earth. Jesus was. God came in the form of something created. Humble, human, prone to hungers and suffering.

He knew something huge was going to happen. That the next few days would transform all of humanity (history, present, and future), and all of creation through it. So he gathers them all into a room, washes their feet, talks with them about what God is doing, and breaks bread with them – communicating His Love for them the entire time…even to Judas.

Tonight we’re hosting a “Seder Dinner” at the church, for some families with children and teenagers.  I was able to help write a guide for all the families to use.  It’s really condensed, and different from traditional Seder guides, specifically because it points to Jesus.  But one thing compiling it did for me, was remind me of the importance of passing on our stories to the generations that follow us.  That’s why they had specific things symbolizing specific stories throughout the Passover meal – so that they would remember together.  That gathering together, they would piece together the stories of how God had brought His people through so much. That together they would gaze into the future faithfulness of God.  I think for future Seder dinners, I may add

Maybe you’re also celebrating the Passover meal tonight, as our story has joined the people of God living as slaves in Egypt.  Just as they were freed from slavery, so are we made free from being slaves to sin and self.  But even if a Seder dinner isn’t on your meal-plan this week – try to work in stories around the dinner table.  Stories of how God has been at work in your life, and the life of your family.  Tell them in a way that captures the imagination and hearts of your children.  Don’t feel like you have a particularly engaging story?  Grab a Bible.  Those are OUR stories.  Remind your children of the Jesus that died for them…prepare to celebrate the resurrected Christ…:)

“As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, ‘Why are you untying the colt?’ They said, ‘The Lord needs it.’” Luke 19:33-34

Imagine that was your donkey.  Your “beast of burden”.  In other places we learn that no one had yet ridden this donkey.  (Luke 19:30)  So not only were the followers of Jesus taking a donkey, they were taking a young donkey – one with many more years left.  And what was the response of the owners?

“They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it.” Mark 11:6

It’s difficult for me to let go of a “first”, especially when it’s last minute.  The first bite of a freshly opened bag of chips.  The first bite of a steaming hot piece of pizza.  The first bite of a newly unwrapped candy bar.  But these are all nothing compared to what the owner of this donkey is giving up.  We don’t know a lot about the owners here, or if this was all worked out ahead of time.   But based on what we read, it’s a simple and last minute “Hey, the Lord needs this”….”and they allowed them to take it.”

Imagine the pride later on, if this owner was a follower of Jesus.  Watching Jesus make his triumphal entry into Jerusalem to the shouts of “Savior!  Save us!!” (Hosanna!)  The King arriving to the shouts and adoration of his people, and riding on the donkey that was willingly given over for the needs of Jesus.  Seeing their donkey, carrying Jesus to his people.

Now bear with me – because this is a stretch.

I believe this story is an important reminder to us as parents.  Our children are so much more to us than donkeys, obviously.  But no matter what we’re referring to, the story above reminds us to hold whatever we hold – loosely for the sake of Jesus.  This is not as simple as God asking us to let our children become pastors or missionaries either.  This is as complicated as letting our children become the kind of people who experience suffering, unpopularity, and even death.

It’s not about preparing ourselves to offer them to Jesus “in case” He approaches us and asks.  God has already sent His Word to our homes, saying “The Lord needs them”.  Whatever they end up doing, wherever they end up going; our children are needed by God for the purposes of His Kingdom.

But how amazing are those moments – even at our children’s young ages – when you see them carrying Jesus into their world?  When you hear their words of love and forgiveness.   When we see them offer grace that might be undeserved.  When they come to you, suggesting a response to life that comes from a heart purely wanting to respond to Jesus.  As we smile and our hearts are warmed, we understand even more than the owner of that donkey – the blessing of something we’ve offered to God, bringing Jesus into the world…and we pray they grow daily into their identities as “Christ-bearers”.

Palm Sunday is tomorrow, the first hill of the roller coaster that is Holy Week….culminating in the celebration of Easter next Sunday. Most of the thoughts I could post about Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday, and even Easter itself…you’ve probably already heard.

So what to post? It definitely deserves something. I think a memory would serve it well.

When I was in high school, I was able to visit Israel, and see many of the sights talked about throughout scripture. Although I was young, the memories are still with me, and I have pictures to remind me of this trip.

The picture above is the “Church of All Nations” (stolen from a website, cause it’s better than mine). Surrounding this church are well-kept gardens of Olive Trees, where it is believed to be the Garden of Gethsemane. Inside the church, there is an altar above what is believed to be the rock where Christ possibly prayed the infamous “let this cup pass from me” prayer. Bearing the weight of suffering for all of creation’s redemption, he was moved to tears.

I think pursuing whatever moved Christ to tears in those hours, would be a good one, especially this week. To have our hearts broken by that which breaks the heart of God. To experience that much of a yearning…with the understanding that if we’re to be a part of what God’s doing, it will take us putting our selves (our families, our desires, our stuff, our plans, our lives) on the altar.

Not that our sacrifice is anywhere near Christ’s….but I think it’s in the same direction.

Aligning our heart with God’s….looks like a dangerous thing. Cause when/if we actually do it…

I suppose we should make sure we’re ready. And let go of “trying to have God’s heart”, allowing God to do GOD’S work IN us. I don’t think I can even reach for that kinda thing on my own. Or something like that.

In any case…I think praying for God to give me that kind of burden for the restoration of His Kingdom…..is a good place to start. And this is a good week for that kind of prayer…