Matthew 21:6-9 NIV
6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. 8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
REFERENCES: MATTHEW 21: 1-9; HEBREWS 7:27; EXODUS 12:2-7 & 12-13; HEBREWS 4:15
Palm Sunday is a day that we remember Jesus, the long-awaited Messiah, triumphantly entering Jerusalem for the Passover feast. It is the start of what we call “Holy Week,” or the week leading up to the death and resurrection of Jesus. This was one of the busiest days of the year in the city, yet we learn a lot about Jesus by looking at the way that he carried himself on this day. He chose the seemingly most unworthy animal, a donkey, to carry him into the city, but this shows us that Jesus is gracious and can use anyone and everyone to bring glory to his Kingdom. This was also the first time that Jesus publicly accepted the praises of the people in his ministry. Although he knew that they would soon betray him, turning him over to be tried and crucified, he still chose to show them love and remain obedient to what God had called him to do during that week. Finally, even prior to his entry, he chose to live a sinless life, making him the perfect sacrifice to take on the sin of the world in death and redeem man’s relationship with God forever through his resurrection. He willingly offered his life to save the world, and this is why we celebrate.
There is a big difference between being selected for service and offering your service.
In Jewish tradition, the blood of a spotless lamb represented the covering of sins. This representation turned into a tangible and real covering of sins by the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross. Jesus offered himself as the perfect lamb to pay for our sins. We no longer have to sacrifice animals, but accept his sacrifice. He not only died for us but lived for us.
John 1:29
Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
Jesus chose to humble himself and ride on the lowliest of animals when being presented as king to show that his grace and power extends to everyone, regardless of who they are.
Matthew 21:5
“Say to Daughter Zion “see, your king comes to you gentle riding in a donkey and on a colt, the foal of a donkey”
Palm Sunday is a remembrance of Jesus’ choice to take the place of the spotless lamb and make the ultimate sacrifice. Hosanna went from a cry for help to a shout of exaltation. We no longer have to scramble for the perfect sacrifice because Jesus gave us salvation here and now. Despite our flaws, God knows us to the core and gave us exactly what we needed. Jesus pursues us before we could even seek him. He knows us the best and loves us the most.
Look for stories in the Bible where God chose the smallest for his glory. Use them as a reminder that he can use you also!
If someone in your Crew needs care, we want to come alongside you. Our Care Response Team is designed to equip you to walk with people in different seasons of their life.Our team is committed to celebrating life’s best moments with you and offering support through its hardest ones.We would love to come around you for the following life events:
+ Marriages
+ Births
+ Deaths
+ Hospitalizations/Illness
Please submit a request at vouschurch.com/requestcare
Saying yes to Jesus marks a brand new beginning. Baptism is your next step. It's how you go public with your faith and celebrate the new life God has given you. The past is behind you, and a fresh future is ahead. This is your moment. We are having baptisms this Sunday, July 27th, across all of our locations, and on the beach.
To sign up for baptisms, please click here.
This back-to-school season, we have the opportunity to show up for our city in a meaningful way. On Saturday, August 2, we’re hosting a Back to School Bash at the Samuel K. Johnson Youth Center, located inside Charles Hadley Park. It’s a chance to serve local families by distributing backpacks filled with school supplies and making sure every student feels seen, supported, and ready to start the year with confidence.
Donate - Fill backpacks for families in need for the school year. You can purchase supplies locally and bring to a VOUS Location or donate online.
Serve - Help host our annual Back To School Bash for families in our community — distribute backpacks, check-in guests, and serve our city during a morning of fun and games.
When: Saturday, August 2nd
Where: Samuel K. Johnson Youth Center
Address: 4900 NW 12th Ave, Miami, FL 33127
Team Rally: 10:20AM
Starting Sunday, August 3rd, we will be moving to brand new service times at all of our locations!
VOUS SoMi
10:00AM / 12:00PM / 6PM
VOUS City
10:00AM / 12:00PM / 6PM
VOUS Miami Gardens
8:30AM / 10:00AM / 12:00PM
VOUS Design District
8:30AM / 10:00AM / 12:00PM
The countdown is on! If you're ready to take your next step in ministry, leadership, or higher education, now is the time to apply. VOUS College application deadline is July 31st for both our degree-seeking and leadership programs. Don’t miss your chance to be part of a life-changing semester. Start your journey at vouscollege.com/apply.
VOUS SoMi
8:45AM / 10:30AM / 12:30PM / 6PM
VOUS City
10:30AM / 12:30PM / 6PM
VOUS Miami Gardens
8:45AM / 10:30AM / 12:30PM
VOUS Design District
10:30AM / 12:30PM
Church Online
10:30AM / 12:30PM / 5PM Español
Growth Track
After every service or join online at vouschurch.com/growthtrack