Palm Sunday

Scripture

Matthew 21:1–11

Luke 19:28–44

“The Triumphal Entry”

There is a reason Palm Sunday is referred to as “The Triumphal Entry”. A triumphal entry is meant to be a celebration. Celebrating the fact that Jesus has come to Jerusalem to fulfill the prophecy. Scripture says that they were shouting “Hosanna, hosanna in the highest!”. When we look at the definition of the word Hosanna it means to express adoration. Adoration is such a strong word. Would we use that word to describe our relationship with Christ? Do we live in a way that adores him?

Scripture also says they were throwing branches and throwing their cloaks on the ground to make a path for Jesus. They were so excited that he was there that they decided the ground wasn’t nice enough! Jesus needed a special path so they could welcome him into their city. It even says they were so eager that they were following him as he went along the path.

In Lukes account in verses 39-40 the pharisees told Jesus to rebuke his followers. The pharisees felt as though Jesus didn’t deserve all of this praise. Or maybe they felt he was receiving it for the wrong reasons? Regardless of why they felt the way they did, the pharisees were not a fan of this “Triumphal Entry”. And Jesus’ response to them is unlike anything else, he says “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out”.

Now surely he did not mean the rocks will begin speaking, right? Rather what we see here is that he is saying this to show the pharisees that they ultimately cannot stop him from being praised. How powerful is that? How can we apply that to our own way of praising him? Do we praise Jesus in an “unstoppable” way?

Jesus Came Humbly

As celebratory as this day was, Jesus didn’t come with an army, he didn’t come with chariots, he didn’t come wearing fancy robes. Instead he entered on a donkey, a symbol of his humility. It is interesting to think about how Jesus might have felt in this moment. He is being praised by a crowd of people and yet somehow he finds a way to humbly receive the people praising him.

It is so easy to think of times in life when you found success, you worked really hard, something finally paid off. And then we find ourselves yearning for recognition. We want those around us to know how hard we worked, or we want some sort of validation. But what would it look like to give that up? To be okay with the fact that we don’t need all the praise and recognition we think we need?

How can we follow the example of Christ in this situation? In the little wins we find every day, in the success we find in all our endeavors, how can we commit to living a life of humility?

Prayer

Father,

Thank you for your sacrifice and what you did for me on the cross. But thank you for everything that needed to happen before that. Thank you for the example that you have given us in the way you lived your life so perfectly. Father give me the strength and wisdom to use this upcoming week as an opportunity to come back to you and your love. Guide and lead every one of my steps so that I might glorify you in everything that I do. I pray that the people around me this week can sense that something is different. I pray that throughout this week you open my eyes, ears, and my heart so that I may see, hear, and feel whatever it is you might have for me.

In Jesus name, Amen

Application

What does it look like for you to adore Jesus as we celebrate Palm Sunday.

2. How can you prepare the way for Jesus? How can you welcome him into your life? Home? Relationships?

3. When something succeeds, do you instinctively give God the glory or yourself?

4. What is one success you can keep between you and God?