VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS 5 NASHVILLE PREDATORS 3 (49-22-9, 107 PTS)

Pacific Division CHAMPS !!! Way to go boys! Yahoo!

With the division #1 seed VGK has the luxury option of resting players for the last two games, however they also have the opportunity to stay ahead of DAL for possible home ice.

martini hanging up the blades absolute warrior congrats

notice the resemblance ?

Today is PALM SUNDAY , and billions of Christians celebrate this Holy Day marking Jesus Christ entry into Jerusalem which marks his week consistently of the Last Supper, his arrest, his trial, and ultimately his death on the cross at hands of Jewish religious leaders at the time (the Sadducees- They were known for their literal interpretation of the Torah, rejection of oral traditions, and denial of concepts like the afterlife, resurrection, and the existence of angels and demons- and the Pharisees (Sadducees were upper-class wealthy men mostly from Jerusalem who made up the Jewish aristocracy. Pharisees came from all economic classes but were distinguished by their rigid adherence to specific behavior prescriptions arising from their interpretation of the ambiguities in the Torah.). With help from Pontius Pilate who repeatedly tried to shift blame and try to find ways out of his predicament.

Let’s start with the name of Jesus Christ. He was not known as this name at time of his birth. Therefore what is real meaning of name Jesus Christ? he name Jesus, in its Hebrew origins (Yeshua), means “Yahweh saves” or “God is salvation.” The name was given to Jesus by the angel Gabriel, who informed Joseph that Mary would conceive a son and should name him Jesus. The name was a common one in first-century Judea, but it was given to Jesus with a specific and profound meaning, reflecting his mission as the savior of humanity. In the context of religion, particularly Christianity, “Christ” is a title, not a name, that signifies “the anointed one” or “the chosen one”. It’s derived from the Greek word “Christos,” which is a translation of the Hebrew “Messiah”. The title “Christ” is most commonly used to refer to Jesus, signifying his divine mission and role as the Messiah.

Too often in today’s world, these meanings are lost. Back fifty years America was a God fearing, conservative nation. Now due to secularism , and “diversity”, it has become more evil, amoral, and less caring.

Now unto Palm Sunday. Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem, riding a donkey and greeted by crowds waving palm branches, as foretold in the Old Testament. This event fulfills prophecies in Isaiah and Zechariah, specifically Zechariah 9:9, which describes the king coming humbly on a donkey.

Elaboration:
Zechariah’s Prophecy:
The Old Testament prophecy in Zechariah 9:9 states: “See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”. This prophecy is a key part of Palm Sunday’s symbolism.
Jesus’s Triumphal Entry:
When Jesus entered Jerusalem, crowds laid down palm branches and cloaks on the road before him, shouting “Hosanna!”. This act fulfilled the prophecy and declared Jesus as the Messiah.
Meaning of the Palms:
Palm branches symbolize victory, triumph, and peace. In ancient times, people would spread palm branches for rulers to walk over, indicating respect and honor. By using palms, the crowds were declaring Jesus as their king and savior.
Humble Kingship:
Jesus rode on a donkey, rather than a warhorse, to emphasize his humble and peaceful arrival. This contrasted with the expectations of a political or military leader.
A Time of Joy and Reflection:
Palm Sunday is a time for Christians to reflect on the themes of victory, peace, and salvation, setting the stage for the solemn observances of Holy Week leading the resurrection.

Palm Sunday continued

The Roman occupiers in Jerusalem were likely indifferent or even uneasy about Palm Sunday, seeing it as just another religious event, but also potentially on alert for any potential disturbance or rebellion during the volatile Passover season. While they may have been amused by the crowds’ enthusiasm, they were also aware of the potential for unrest, especially given the history of messianic claims and the presence of Zealots who advocated for independence.
Here’s a more detailed look:
Indifference/Amusement:
The Romans might have seen the scene as a bizarre spectacle, a religious expression with no real threat to their authority.
Alertness and Concern:
However, they were also likely cautious. Jerusalem was known to be a volatile city, especially during Passover, and any disturbance could escalate into a larger rebellion.
Pontius Pilate’s Perspective:
Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, had a particularly difficult situation. He was concerned about maintaining peace and stability while also facing potential pressure from Jewish authorities and the emperor.
Symbolism and Potential for Rebellion:
The crowd’s shouting of “Hosanna” and the palm branches were symbolic of their hopes for a messianic leader who would bring them liberation from Roman rule. This kind of language and imagery was known to inflame tensions and could be interpreted as a challenge to Roman authority.
Jesus’s Entry as a Subversion:
Some scholars interpret Jesus’ entry as a deliberate act of protest against Roman power, a way of highlighting the contrast between their imperial display and the humbleness of Jesus’ arrival.

Matthew 21
New International Version
Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King
21 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”

4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:

5 “Say to Daughter Zion,
‘See, your king comes to you,
gentle and riding on a donkey,
and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”[a]

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[b] to the Son of David!”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”[c]

“Hosanna[d] in the highest heaven!”

10 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?”

11 The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”

The significance of “anointing”

Jesus was anointed before his death, specifically by a woman in Bethany, with expensive perfume, as a sign of his impending burial and a memorial of her faith. This anointing was not just a ritual but a symbolic act that foreshadowed his death and preparation for burial.
Elaboration:
Prophetic Action:
The woman’s act of anointing Jesus, especially with such a valuable perfume, was a way of foretelling his death and preparation for burial.
Memorial of Faith:
Jesus himself recognized the significance of this act, stating that it would be remembered wherever the gospel was preached, highlighting the woman’s faith and devotion.
Symbol of Humility:
The anointing, particularly the pouring of the perfume over his feet, was also an act of humility and devotion, mirroring the traditional act of washing a guest’s feet.
Contrast with Judas:
The woman’s action contrasts with Judas’s criticism of the expense, highlighting Judas’s lack of understanding and his betrayal of Jesus.
Not Just a Burial Ritual:
While the anointing was a preparation for burial, it was also a way of honoring and respecting Jesus, recognizing his unique status as the Messiah and the sacrifice he would make.

Remember when they said Obama was the “anointed” or “chosen one” NOT, Anti Christ like symbolism there.