In the simplest of terms, Palm Sunday is
an opportunity to reflect upon the final week of Jesus’ life. Jesus did not
deny the image that the crowd expected — the fulfillment of the hopes of
Israel that He would be their earthly king, destroying the Roman government.
Instead, Jesus humbly entered Jerusalem to give His life on a cross, saving
mankind from sin and death. One day, Jesus will return gloriously as a mighty
warrior in battle (Revelation 19:11–16). Palm Sunday serves as a preparation of
one’s heart for the agony of His Passion and the joy of His Resurrection.
Matthew 21:1-11 says,
As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethpage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 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. If anyone says anything to you, tell him that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.” This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: “Say to the Daughter of Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.'”
The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt, placed their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat on them. 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!”
When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”
My friends, Jesus has entered Jerusalem. This is the last week of His life. We are reminded of the hurt and pain felt by His disciples and family as they slowly begin to realize, yes, Jesus will shortly lose His life.
Yet, there is a beautiful hymn that I am going to use as a topic for the Easter Sunday message titled, “In the Bulb.” It speaks of unforeseen glory and the mystery of new life and growth. We will experience this new life and our growth as Christian believers on the glorious Sunday of Easter as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ! As people of faith we follow the UCC message of not placing a period where God has placed a comma. we continue to worship God and Christ no matter what may befall us.
From my family to yours, I wish all of you a blessed Palm Sunday and Holy Week.
