Matthew 21:1-11 New Living Translation
Jesus’ Triumphant Entry
1 As Jesus and the disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to the town of Bethphage on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of them on ahead. 2 “Go into the village over there,” he said. “As soon as you enter it, you will see a donkey tied there, with its colt beside it. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone asks what you are doing, just say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will immediately let you take them.”
4 This took place to fulfill the prophecy that said,
5 “Tell the people of Jerusalem,
‘Look, your King is coming to you.
He is humble, riding on a donkey—
riding on a donkey’s colt.’”
6 The two disciples did as Jesus commanded. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt to him and threw their garments over the colt, and he sat on it.
8 Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of him, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting,
“Praise God for the Son of David!
Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Praise God in highest heaven!”
10 The entire city of Jerusalem was in an uproar as he entered. “Who is this?” they asked.
11 And the crowds replied, “It’s Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”
Prayer
Almighty and ever living God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Sermon
“Who Is This?” One of the Most Important Questions of Holy Week”
Weekly Prayer Request
* If you would like to add someone to the weekly prayer list please reply or send an email to tuxedo.park@sbcglobal.net
A Note from the Pastor’s Desk
Holy Week invites us to slow down and walk with Jesus through the final days of His earthly ministry:
- His teaching and cleansing of the temple
- His Last Supper with the disciples
- His prayer in Gethsemane
- His suffering and crucifixion
- And the quiet waiting that leads us toward Resurrection hope
This week is not simply a series of days, it is a spiritual invitation. A time to recognize the depth of Christ’s love and the weight of His sacrifice.
Please note that we will not be having a Maundy Thursday dinner this year. Instead, I will be sending out devotionals on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday to help guide our reflection as we journey toward Easter.
My prayer is that each of us will recognize Holy Week with intention, setting aside moments to remember, to reflect, and to draw near to the One who gave everything for us.
Peace and blessings to you as we enter this sacred week.
Rev. Eddie J. Smith, Sr., M.Div. ~ Pastor
Announcements
Easter Brunch – Volunteers Needed: Next Sunday is Easter Sunday, and we will celebrate with a joyful Easter Brunch. If you’d like to help with setup or cooking, please come to the church this Saturday, April 4, between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Many hands make light work, and you’re sure to enjoy the fellowship as we prepare a beautiful, welcoming space for our community.
Easter Brunch: We invite you to join us for a joyful Easter Brunch immediately following worship on Easter Sunday. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the Resurrection together, share a good meal, and enjoy fellowship as a church family.
Bulletin Submissions: If you would like to include something in the church bulletin, please email it to the Pastor by 5:00 p.m. on Thursdays.
Zumba w/ Suzanne: Will be on Spring Break this week.
Wednesday Night Dinner & Bible Study: Please note that our Wednesday night dinner and Bible Study are on Spring Break and will resume on April 15, 2026. We look forward to gathering again for food, fellowship, and study when we return.
Bread & Word: (Food Pantry and Clothing Center) will be open on the following Thursdays: 4/9/26, 4/30/26, 5/14/26, 5/28/26, 6/11/26, 6/25/26, 7/9/26, 7/30/26, 8/13/26, 8/27/26, 9/10/26, 9/24/26, 10/8/26, 10/29/26, 11/12/25, 12/3/26 and 12/17/26.
America for Christ Offering (AFC): Is an annual mission offering that supports the ministries of the American Baptist Home Mission Society (ABHMS). It funds programs that share Christ’s love through discipleship, leadership development, community transformation, and justice advocacy across the United States and Puerto Rico. Please consider giving as you are able.
Clothing Closet
The Clothing Closet is seeking donations for any of the items listed below.
Gently used items are acceptable. Bolded items are sorely needed.
Laundry Detergent
Bath Towels
Children’s Winter Clothes (size:4 and up)
Blankets
Pillowcases
Sheets
Hooded Sweatshirts (size: Small, Medium, Large)
Men’s Winter Gloves
Men’s Jeans (waist size: 32-38)
Men’s Jeans (waist size 30-32)
Men’s Sneakers (size: 9-12)
Women’s Winter Gloves
Women’s Tennis Shoes (sizes: 8-9 ½)
Boost & Ensure Empty Bottles
Sweat Pants
