Grace Church
Going the Distance #2 - The Guy on the Donkey
Our series this month will look at some of the key events during the last 6-9 months of the Lord's life. His travel, public teaching, troubles, training of disciples, and emphasis on teamwork became very intense and intentional. The Phrase Going the Distance perfectly captures this period of time.
Locations & Times
Grace Community Church
8950 M-79, Nashville, MI 49073, USA
Sunday 10:00 AM
As Americans, we've watched some stunning cultural celebrations over the past 3 months.
Or... if you aren't into sports or politics, you could have taken part in these incredible celebrations:
January 4: Fruitcake Toss Day
February 16: Do a Grouch a Favor Day
March 15th - Eat an Animal for PETA Day
Or... if you aren't into sports or politics, you could have taken part in these incredible celebrations:
January 4: Fruitcake Toss Day
February 16: Do a Grouch a Favor Day
March 15th - Eat an Animal for PETA Day
Funny Holidays 2025
https://www.webcal.guru/en-GB/event_list/holidays_funny?year=2025This month, our series is titled "Going the distance." Last week, it was pointed out that the phrase means "to finish or complete something, especially something difficult, challenging, or requiring sustained effort."
We are looking at some of the key events during the last 6-9 months of the Lord's life as he journeyed toward Jerusalem.
We are looking at some of the key events during the last 6-9 months of the Lord's life as he journeyed toward Jerusalem.
Jesus knew His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension were near and a key verse we looked at last week was Luke 9:51
Today our text is found in Luke 19:29-44.
The setting is toward the end of the 9 months we discussed last week, which was filled with travel, teaching, taking refuge from growing hostility, touching the lives of many, and training His followers with the knowledge and skills to carry on His mission.
Timewise, the hourglass of Jesus' life and ministry has about run out.
The setting is toward the end of the 9 months we discussed last week, which was filled with travel, teaching, taking refuge from growing hostility, touching the lives of many, and training His followers with the knowledge and skills to carry on His mission.
Timewise, the hourglass of Jesus' life and ministry has about run out.
The occasion of this visit is the Passover Feast, which celebrates Israel's exodus from the slavery of Egypt.
This is one of the three big festivals on the Jewish calendar and was attended by nearly 250,000 people, whereas the normal population of Jerusalem would be 25,000-50,000.
This is one of the three big festivals on the Jewish calendar and was attended by nearly 250,000 people, whereas the normal population of Jerusalem would be 25,000-50,000.
Jesus and the boys were traveling from Galilee along the Jordan River to Jericho. This is a 17-mile (2-4 day). They, along with thousands of people, would make the upward climb from Jericho, and just before reaching the crest of the Mount of Olives, they would come to two small villages.
Bethany was the village of Lazarus, Mary, Martha, and Simon the Leper. The text leads us to believe Jesus and the boys would have stayed here often.
Bethphage was known as the easternmost point of the city limits of Jerusalem. It is here that the 2 donkeys were located.
To properly understand verses 32-34, we must remember that Jesus had been in this area just a couple of months before and undoubtedly pre-arranged this event at that time. Fulfilling a prophecy made by Zechariah, over 500 years before this.
Conquerors throughout the ancient world had ridden great horses as they celebrated their victory in war. But in Biblical and Jewish history, the donkey symbolized humility, service, and peace. It identified the person riding with the common person, not the elite.
The followers begin to honor the Lord by using articles of clothing to spread on the animal He would ride on and the ground in front of Him.
Also, they used palm branches to wave, associating this with the Jewish war victories and being recognized as champions and heroes in the Middle Eastern culture.
Also, they used palm branches to wave, associating this with the Jewish war victories and being recognized as champions and heroes in the Middle Eastern culture.
The other gospel accounts indicate that the people were confused about who Jesus was, what His true nature as the Son of God was, and the mission He came to fulfill. They were thinking of their earthly lives and being rescued from the Roman Empire.
In verses 39-44, you read of the animosity and rejection of the religious leaders who were concerned about losing their position and power.
Times haven't changed much. People are still confused about who Jesus is. When we look carefully at this passage, we can see one simple aspect of Jesus' identity.
JESUS IS LORD.
JESUS IS LORD.
There was great uncertainty amongst the 10s of thousands of people, religious and non-religious, regarding the identity of the guy on the donkey.
They were looking for a Messiah who would rescue them politically and free them nationally, but Jesus had come to save them personally and spiritually.
They were looking for a Messiah who would rescue them politically and free them nationally, but Jesus had come to save them personally and spiritually.
"The Lord" in Greek is {koo'-ree-os} and implies supreme authority, in control of all things, ownership, and signifies the right to determine outcome.
The lesson is very simple: Jesus is the Lord, you are not!
The root of mankind's problem is selfishness, which leads to all sorts of attitudes and actions that violate God's will and Lordship over our lives.
The result brings about: damage to our earthly relationships, physical disease and death, judgment for our rebellion, and ultimately, eternal separation from God.
The result brings about: damage to our earthly relationships, physical disease and death, judgment for our rebellion, and ultimately, eternal separation from God.
Application:
1. We must decide who Jesus is and will be to us.
1. We must decide who Jesus is and will be to us.
2. If Jesus is our Lord, we must obey all He asks us to do.
3. Which means, we are to live a life that Honors Him and Helps People.
Grace is passionate about helping you accomplish these three points!
Breeze Church Management
At Grace we use a secure directory/giving service called Breeze Church Management. Creating your personal account allows you to contact others in the church family, keep your contact information updated, and keep track of your giving if that is important to you, and/or create an online giving account.
Use the link below to get started or to login if you already have an account.
https://gc3.org/login/CJ's Coffee Shop Pre-Order Link
https://gc3.org/pages/cjs-orderMeet and Greet
Grace Church holds a Meet & Greet for those who are newer to Grace Church on the 4th Sunday of each month. Our next Meet & Greet will be held April 27th following the service in CJ's coffee shop. It is a great opportunity to meet the staff and leadership of Grace Church and learn a little more about the church. It also gives us an opportunity to learn a little about you! Contact Leslie Booher if you have any questions (leslie@gc3.org).
H.O.M.E. Groups
Joining a H.O.M.E. Group will help you grow in your walk with Jesus and give you a group of people that will walk alongside you through the journey. You can learn more about groups, which ones are available, and/or sign-up for a group at the link below. Please contact the church office if you have any questions about what group would be a good fit for you. (grace@gc3.org)
https://gc3.org/pages/h-o-m-e-groupsRead the Bible this year
Grace Church encourages you to read through the Bible this year by using the Bible Project plan "One Story that leads to Jesus" on the YouVersion Bible app. You can find this plan at the link below. Contact Lisa Sterkenburg (lisa@gc3.org) if you have questions.
https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/22273Healing the Wounded Heart Training Class
This course, designed to teach people how to deal with trauma, will be offered in Grand Rapids June 2nd-6th. There will also be a 3-day class offered in August with dates yet to be determined. Colin Paul and Matt Firman have taken this training and use it as they do jail ministry. They are encouraging people to be trained in trauma healing and then use it to minister in their communities. If you have questions or want to sign-up for the training, contact Colin Paul (colinholly21@yahoo.com) or Matt Firman (colo323@protonmail.com).
"For wounds to heal, people need to express their pain and grieve so that their feelings are not buried inside of them. They can express them to God and bring their pain to the cross. As they experience Christ's healing, they can begin to forgive and rebuild their lives. Then they are better able to face future suffering."
"For wounds to heal, people need to express their pain and grieve so that their feelings are not buried inside of them. They can express them to God and bring their pain to the cross. As they experience Christ's healing, they can begin to forgive and rebuild their lives. Then they are better able to face future suffering."
Easter Egg Hunt Information and Sign-Up
Grace Church Easter Events - Dates to put on your calendar: Wednesday, April 16th - Easter Egg Stuffing at the church at 6:30 pm Saturday, April 19th - Easter Egg Hunt Outreach event at 10:00 am Sunday, April 20th - Grace Church Easter Service at 10:00 am The Easter Egg Hunt is an annual outreach event for our community. We need lots of help to make this event happen. Here are some ways you can get involved: Donate candy! Candy can be placed in the totes in the lobby. We need lots! Make sure the candy is small enough to fit inside plastic easter eggs. Sign-up to help on the day of the event at the link below. We need people who can help set-up, those who can greet guests and oversee an age group, or people who can help with clean-up. You can also donate to this outreach event using the link below. We will be purchasing prizes to give away. Come stuff the eggs with candy on Wednesday, April 16th at 6:30 pm in the lobby at Grace Church. If you have any questions, contact Tracy Nelson (gt_nelson@yahoo.com) or Jillyn Boldrey (jillynboldrey@gmail.com).
https://gc3.breezechms.com/form/EEHWoodcutting in April
There is still lots of wood that needs to be cut on the back property of Grace Church. Each Saturday in April from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm is an opportunity for you to help cut and stack wood. Bring a chain saw if you have one as well as work gloves. Contact Ryan Hickey if you have questions or if you are in need of wood (517-852-4800) / ryan@gc3.org
Serving at the Lansing Rescue Mission
We wanted to make sure everyone at Grace Church knew about an opportunity you have to serve at the Lansing Rescue Mission's Women and Children's Shelter on Cedar Street in Lansing.
Grace Church, led by our deacon team, sends a group to the mission on the third Friday of each month (5:30-7:30 pm) to serve dinner to the women and children who are utilizing their services. This is a rewarding time where we can get out of our comfort zone to do something as simple as serve a meal.
Everything is provided for us, so all we have to do is show up and be the hands and feet...and smiling faces of Jesus to them! Most often, the groups of 5-7 people who are serving will carpool to the mission which allows for a great time of fellowship together.
If you have an interest in serving at the mission once or twice a year, contact Kyle Booher (booherky@hotmail.com) to have your name added to the list. If you have questions, you can talk with Kyle or any of the deacons (Denny Shaver, Brice Hasselback, Don Wiser, Colin Paul).
Grace Church, led by our deacon team, sends a group to the mission on the third Friday of each month (5:30-7:30 pm) to serve dinner to the women and children who are utilizing their services. This is a rewarding time where we can get out of our comfort zone to do something as simple as serve a meal.
Everything is provided for us, so all we have to do is show up and be the hands and feet...and smiling faces of Jesus to them! Most often, the groups of 5-7 people who are serving will carpool to the mission which allows for a great time of fellowship together.
If you have an interest in serving at the mission once or twice a year, contact Kyle Booher (booherky@hotmail.com) to have your name added to the list. If you have questions, you can talk with Kyle or any of the deacons (Denny Shaver, Brice Hasselback, Don Wiser, Colin Paul).
Birthdays and Anniversaries We're Celebrating This Week!
Monday, April 14 - Paige Hoffman, Ruth Hickey
Tuesday, April 15 - Brice Hasselback
Wednesday, April 16 - Aaron Smith
Friday, April 18 - Schylar Orton
Tuesday, April 15 - Brice Hasselback
Wednesday, April 16 - Aaron Smith
Friday, April 18 - Schylar Orton