Palm Sunday – It Begins With A Party

Read

Matthew 21:8-9 “A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 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!’”

Think

Passion Week kicks off with an electrifying atmosphere. Imagine the scene: palm branches waving in the air, shouts of praise filling the streets, and the arrival of a figure who will change the course of history forever. It’s the grand entrance of a king like no other, riding on a humble donkey’s colt in the middle of the fervent anticipation of the crowds.

This unrecognized prince defies earthly expectations by embodying meekness and humility. His journey during this holy week will take him to the depths of suffering and shame, culminating in the ultimate sacrifice on the cross. Yet, even during the jubilation of Palm Sunday, the shadows of opposition begin to hover.

As the crowds celebrate and the authorities plot, Palm Sunday shows a picture of the joys and sorrows that lie ahead. The initial clash with the establishment foreshadows the betrayal, denial, and ultimate crucifixion to come. But woven into the fabric of this unfolding drama is the promise of unparalleled joy on Easter morning.

The glory of Palm Sunday doesn’t lie in the spectacular, but in the peculiar glory of a king who embraces weakness and sacrifice. This is the Messiah who comes, not to conquer with sword and might, but to offer himself as a ransom for many. His unconventional path to redemption bears the unmistakable touch of the divine, revealing God’s unparalleled plan for salvation.

During this baffling journey, we find our souls deeply satisfied and forever transformed. Only a king who humbly rides on a donkey could fulfill the deepest longings of our hearts and offer eternal salvation. As we enter into Passion Week, let’s behold again the wonder of God’s redemptive plan and embrace the joy of our Savior’s sacrificial love.

Apply

Use Passion Week as an opportunity to share the message of Jesus’ sacrificial love and redemption with others. Invite friends, family, and neighbors to Easter services, and share the hope of salvation found in Jesus Christ.

Pray

Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times when I have taken your sacrifice for granted or failed to fully comprehend its significance. May I never lose sight of the immense price paid for my salvation and the depth of your love. May I be empowered and transformed by what you did on the cross, and share it with others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.