Sermon   March 20, 2016   “ Broken Bread”  By Rev. June Fothergill For many years, I have found ways to simply tell this story of Jesus journey to the cross on Palm Passion Sunday.  It seemed too big a story for a simple sermon. It still does.     I remember that many years ago I decided to follow Jesus.   To follow Jesus,  I need to look at the cross and what is means for my life.    I think that there are many meanings of the cross of Jesus.   Today I invite you to imagine with me joining those followers of Jesus standing at a distance in Luke’s account.    Many of them were woman who had given of their resources to make sure Jesus and company were fed and clothed.  They had followed Jesus from Galilee full of hope and promise.   They had been swept up with the preaching and healing that showed them a glimpse of God’s kingdom here on earth.   Jesus had loved and healed and walked with them.  They had helped to plan the big procession to welcome him to Jerusalem. They had also helped to prepare that last supper with the inner core of followers.  Perhaps they even baked the bread.   I imagine they heard the discussion around the table about service and about  getting some swords.  Maybe,  they had wondered if Jesus would have his disciples use those swords  to fight the temple guards, to maybe start an insurrection that would bring the promised kingdom?    But instead of making battle plans Jesus had gone to the Mt of Olives to pray, to seek once again God’s way.    So, when the temple guard came in the night to arrest him, Jesus said to put away the swords.  And even reached out once more to heal the servant’s ear! I notice that after his time of prayer, Jesus decided that God’s way in this situation of high tension and danger was a way of peace, not the sword.   He would not lead an insurrection that would bring more pain and suffering on his people!  As he warns the women who weep for him,  more suffering will come to you!    The writer of Luke knows that in 70 a.d. the  Roman armies came in and not only put down an insurrection but destroyed the city and the temple!    Jesus was showing us that God has another way!    A way of living true to ones core values of peace and love in the midst of the death dealing powers of this world.  It was a way that Jesus walked before us and for us.  It is a way Jesus invites us to continue to walk. I...