Malachi opens with a startling exchange: God declares His love; Israel fires back, “How have You loved us?”
Tonight’s study launches a seven-week series called “Completely,” showing how God’s covenant love for His people is total even when life feels empty.
By tracing Israel’s history, their dashed expectations, and God’s covenant response about Jacob and Esau, we learn that grace – not fairness – anchors the relationship.
The preacher invites the church to journey with Jesus along His final, “dark and scary road” toward Easter.
Luke 9:51 marks the hinge of the gospel narrative: Jesus “set His face” toward Jerusalem–language of iron-willed resolve and fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy.
Historical backdrop: Passover week swells Jerusalem to ~2 million pilgrims; Rome dispatches extra troops; political tension is electric.
Two contrasting parades will converge: Pilate from the west with war-horses; Jesus from the east on a donkey portraying humility and true power.
