Gospel Highlight

Matthew 21:1-11 – Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to Me. If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.” This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying, “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your King is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.'” The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and He sat on them. Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. And the crowds that went before Him and that followed Him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” And when He entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?” And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.”

It’s really endearing of Jesus that He chose to borrow all His glory for this occasion. He needs something to ride into Jerusalem? There’s a young donkey that will do; ask the owner if I can borrow it. No saddle? Okay, may I borrow your cloaks to sit on? No red carpet—that’s okay, the crowd is laying their cloaks in the road. No trumpets, confetti, or flags to wave? Palm branches will do.

This cannot have been what Jesus was used to in heaven. But when He became a Man, He borrowed everything—His birthplace, the manger, the very tomb in which they laid Him when He died. He was dependent on the women who financed His ministry and on generous people who opened their homes to Him to eat and sleep there. All borrowed.

And He borrowed one more thing from us, and a good thing He did—He borrowed our sin. All our guilt and shame and evil, every bad thing we’ve ever done or thought or planned to do—He took all of that away from us, the real owners. And then He took it all to the cross and nailed it there. But this time it’s not like the donkey—the Lord isn’t going to return this loan to us. It’s gone for good.

This is Jesus’ glory—that in this one case only, He borrows and does not pay back. We will never see those sins again. They are “lost” for good. And what do we have in exchange, then? Jesus gives us forgiveness, love, healing, joy, and peace. And He tops it off with the gift of everlasting life—as God’s much-loved people in His kingdom.

This Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo.

JESUS CONNECTIONS
Hosanna in the Highest

Imagine a very special visitor coming to your town—someone kind, loving, and full of hope. Everyone gathers to celebrate, waving and cheering because they know something wonderful is happening. In the same way, we can open our hearts with joy, kindness, and excitement when we welcome the good things God brings into our lives.

Welcome Him with Joy!

Fellowship for Sunday, November 30
 Gratitude in Every Dish


We invite you to bring a dish that reminds you of a blessing or a memory you're thankful for. Whether it's Grandma’s pie or your go-to comfort meal, we’d love to hear the story behind it and celebrate God’s goodness together. 

Rooted in Faith, Growing in Gratitude!

Prayer Requests

Lord, provide healing, peace, strength, comfort, and understanding…   

Aaron Byers – Diagnosed with Metastatic Melanoma. Prayers for continued treatment.

Helen Cantrell – Pray for comfort as she continues treatment due to health issues.

Eddie Henson – Prayers of thanks for a successful surgery.

Mathew Eisinger – Prayers for Pastor Jake & Alyssa’s son, Mathew Eisinger, as he deploys with the Army to Poland on Sept. 16th, for 9 months. May the Lord keep him safe on his deployment & return safely home.

Caroline Johnston – Continue prayers for recovery at home.

Stanton family – For peace, strength, and comfort as they mourn the loss of Bruce, who passed away last Wednesday, unexpectedly.

Sarah Kalaveras – having knee replacement; may God give the Doctors and staff strength and wisdom while performing the surgery, and may He lay His healing hands on Sarah for a quick recovery.

Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayers.

Prayer requests can now be sent to stmarkelko@gmail.com.

Calling All Singers!

We’ll have a brief choir meeting right after church this Sunday to see who’s interested in singing, hand out music, and coordinate practice times. If you’ve been thinking about joining—or just want to learn more—please stop by! 

All voices are welcome.

Men's Fellowship Breakfast

Gentlemen, it’s time for food, faith, and fellowship!  Join us this Friday, November 28th 8:30 a.m. @ Toki Ona for a delicious breakfast, great conversation, and time to grow together in faith.

This is a wonderful chance to connect with other men, share experiences, and encourage each other in our walk with Christ. Everyone is welcome, whether you're new or a long-time member!

Bring a friend, and let’s make it a morning to remember! 

Have you seen Jesus?

During the season of Advent, a small Jesus figure will be placed somewhere in the sanctuary. If you locate Jesus, please bring Him to Pastor Jake and receive your reward. 

The Jesus search begins, November 30th!

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