PALM SUNDAY

We start this week with Jesus as He makes the two-mile journey to Jerusalem from Bethany.  Bethany was close to Jerusalem but far enough away that Jesus would not be hounded by crowds and so He could rest. Mary, Martha and Lazarus lived in Bethany and during the week, when Jesus’ day was over He would leave Jerusalem, cross Kidron Valley, climb the slope of the Mount of Olives, and descend from the top of the mount into Bethany where He had relative safety. Jesus would spend most nights of His last week in Bethany.

When Jesus arrived in Jerusalem, He entered on a donkey while the crowd put down their cloaks and palm leaves for Him. They sang “Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” Hosanna” was the shout of praise or adoration made in recognition of the Messiahship of Jesus on his triumphal entry into Jerusalem.

Some believed that Jesus was coming to end the Roman occupation, yet He did not enter ridding on a battle horse but on a humble donkey as foretold in Zechariah 9:9 “Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” Luke 19:41 shares that as Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a new donkey that had never been ridden before, He wept over the devastation of Jerusalem.

Have you claimed discipleship with Jesus?  Do you shout hosanna daily to the one who saved you? Do you lay down your desires before Him and let His humble spirit walk over them so that His will is done?

Read: Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem found at Matthew 21:1-11 and then reflect on the day you asked Him to be your King.

Consider this prayer: Hail King Jesus.  Thank you for leaving the relative safety of Bethany to take your place on the cross for me. Thank you for what you endured so that I would not have to undergo eternal separation from you. I know you desire that I learn and share your story and so as I start this week, I do so with an open heart and mind to be taught by the Holy Spirit. Grant me wisdom to understand the full implication of your week before the crucifixion so that I can share it with someone who needs you. Amen”.