Palm Sunday

Psalm 118:1-2; 19-29 Mark 11:1-11 It is the beginning of holy week. I invite you to join us during this journey with Jesus. From His triumphal entry into Jerusalem to His resurrection from the dead. All of this taking place within a time frame of a mere 8 days. Today, Palm Sunday is the day we celebrate Jesus triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Accompanied by crowds who laid down palm branches on the road before Him as He road into Jerusalem on the colt of a donkey. The day begins as Jesus and the disciples travel towards Jerusalem; travelling through Bethany and Bethpage, two small villages near the Mount of Olives, between Jericho and Jerusalem. Jesus arranges for two disciples to get a colt...a colt in which no one had ridden before. Clothes are placed on the colt, and Jesus takes his place on the donkey. Many witnesses spread their cloths on the road, others cut leafy branches from the palm trees and place them on the road before Jesus. Many praise Jesus as he rides, crying Hosanna, save us, please save us. Praising him "blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord" (Ps 118:26) Our scripture concludes today with Jesus entering the temple, looking around. But the hour of his arrival is late, so he and the disciples return to Bethany, to the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus for the evening. So why did this happen? * Matthew's gospel (Matthew 21:4-5)explains that it fulfills prophecy of Zechariah 9:9. * The short temple visit fulfills the prophecy of Malachi 3:1 What were the people's reaction? Many were looking for the Messiah to be a physical king. In fact many tried to force Jesus to become a king, but he refused (John 6:15). Jesus made is quite clear that His kingdom was not of this world, but a spiritual world (Luke 17:20-21; John 18:36). Jesus choice of a colt was a gentle reminder to us all of the spiritual nature of His kingdom. When we think of kings, we consider them riding horses, symbolizing power. But the simple donkey symbolizes peace, so appropriate for the ministry of Jesus. It must have been exciting to be a witness to Jesus parade towards Jerusalem. The anticipation of things to come. The joy. And that praise continues as Jesus reaches eternal heights after his ascension (Revelation 5:8-14) Today I invite you to join in praise of Jesus. Today I invite you to join in looking forward to Jesus return, when we will all be glorified together with Him (2 Thessalonians 1:10). His next triumphal entry is not to offer Himself for sin, as He did with His first coming, but to offer eternal salvation for those who believe (Hebrews 9:27-28). This will be a day of salvation for all those who eagerly await Him. Let us faithfully serve Him today in His spiritual kingdom of righteousness, joy, and peace. Sovereign God, you have established your rule over the human heart, not by force but by the servant example of Jesus Christ. Move us by your Spirit to join the joyful procession of those who confess Christ Jesus with their tongues and praise him with their lives. Amen. I invite you this week to join me in a daily scripture reading, as we journey through these most holiest of days.