The events of Palm Sunday, often referred to as Jesus’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem, are recorded in all four of the Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. That repetition in Scripture shows us that this event was very important! It marked what we often think of as the beginning of Jesus’s journey to the cross. But really, that journey began long before Palm Sunday. That journey began before He started His public ministry. It began even before He arrived here on Earth as a baby in that Bethlehem manger. Jesus’s purpose was part of a much bigger plan established before the creation of the world. It went far above and beyond what the people there that first Palm Sunday knew.
As we look at the events that happened on that day in Jerusalem, I have here three simple symbols to help us remember the lessons of Palm Sunday:
- Donkey
- Palm branch
- Rocks
Today we come alive to see and understand Jesus’s life’s purpose. As we continue our journey through Holy Week, prepare to come alive to Jesus’s sacrifice through His death on Good Friday and to celebrate Jesus’s power through His resurrection on Easter Sunday. But just as Jesus entered that swirling city thousands of years ago and entered into the final stages of His work on earth, let’s invite Him to enter our hearts and lives. Let us shout praises of “Hosanna” for the Messiah King that He is, but also let us join Him in humility and obedience. With our eyes open and our hearts full of gratitude, let us join Him in God’s ultimate work of restoration, healing, and true life. Have you trusted Jesus Christ to save you? Have you come alive to new life in Him? You are welcome to talk to Pastor Mark any time if you would like to have that new life today.
