As the country enters Holy Week in line with the Christian calendar, Christians have been urged to reflect on what God has done in their lives and renew their spiritual commitment.
Delivering a sermon drawn from Matthew 21:1–11 during a Palm Sunday service at ACK Christ the King Cathedral in Nyahururu, Reverend Stephen Kimani said the Holy Week period is significant for Christians as it mirrors the journey Jesus Christ took to Jerusalem, where He prepared to pay the ultimate price for the sins of humanity through His death and resurrection.
Reverend Kimani noted that Jesus made the journey to Jerusalem willingly, fully aware of what awaited Him, demonstrating His readiness to sacrifice His life for the salvation of humankind.
He observed that during Jesus’ time, many Jews anticipated a political leader who would deliver them from the harsh Roman rule. They viewed Jesus as that potential deliverer, which is why they sang “Hosanna,” meaning “save us now.”
“However, Jesus was not a political figure sent to free them from earthly rulers but rather came to offer spiritual and eternal deliverance from sin and satanic oppression,” said the cleric.
He urged Christians to reflect deeply on the significance of Jesus’ mission and how His sacrifice opened the way for believers to access God’s blessings and eternal life.
Despite this, Reverend Kimani expressed concern that many people continue to live in sin, while others remain bound by various limitations in their lives.
Drawing reference from the biblical account of the colt, a young donkey that was tied but later untied for Jesus’ use, he said believers should identify areas in their lives where they feel restricted.
“Christians should recognize limitations in their personal lives, family backgrounds, and even in their workplaces, and understand that through Jesus’ death and resurrection, they have been set free,” he added.
Holy Week is regarded as the most sacred period in the Christian liturgical calendar. It commemorates the final days of Jesus Christ’s earthly life, including His suffering, crucifixion, and resurrection.
The week begins with Palm Sunday and runs through Holy Saturday, culminating in Easter Sunday. Key events observed during the period include the Last Supper on Holy Thursday, the crucifixion on Good Friday, and the anticipation of the resurrection on Holy Saturday.
by Kimani Tirus
