Why do we often try to rush past the darkness of the cross to reach the celebration of the empty tomb? In this moving Palm Sunday message, we explore why it is a mistake to skip from the triumphal entry of the palms straight to the resurrection of Easter morning. To truly understand our redemption and the full depth of the gospel, we must be willing to walk the road through Holy Week and face the passion of Christ.

This sermon takes us through the garden of Gethsemane, the betrayal of Judas, the secret trials of the night, and the painful denial of Peter. We discover that the suffering of Jesus began long before the crucifixion as his closest friends scattered and failed him. By looking honestly at these biblical figures, we recognize our own tendencies to sleep when we should pray, to justify our sins, and to remain silent while injustice occurs in a sleeping world.

We invite you to journey with us through the shadow of the cross this week. Let us not look away from the sacrifice made for us. As you prepare for Easter, take a moment to reflect on how prayer can help you resist temptation and how confession can lead to transformation. Join us as we enter into the holy drama of the passion and allow the profound love of Jesus Christ to change us from the inside out.