During the days of Jesus' ministry on earth, palm branches were symbolic of well-being, goodness, and victory. But as we shall see, palm branches played an even greater role on this, the last weekend before the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Over the course of time, biblical scholars have debated the chronological order of events during Holy Week. For the sake of argument and time, we will not attempt to reconcile any such disputes here. Our only concern will be what occurred on what is now commonly known as "Palm Sunday," which is this Sunday, March 20th.
With His three year ministry coming to a close, Jesus traveled to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. Through His work of teaching, preaching the Gospel, and miraculous acts, Jesus had shown that He was the promised Messiah, as foretold in the Old Testament.
Jesus and the disciples now approached Bethphage, a village in the neighborhood of Jerusalem. He was well aware that He would soon be giving His life for the sins of the world. As they drew nearer, Jesus directed two of them to go on ahead and search for a "young donkey tied there that no one has ever ridden" and return with it (Mark 11:2).
Prior to this time, Jesus had strongly resisted any efforts to proclaim Him as king (John 6:15), even warning the disciples not to do so, either (Matthew 16:20). However, the moment had now arrived for Jesus to declare himself as the Messiah, the King.
The disciples brought the colt to Jesus, and draped their coats over its back (Matthew 21:7). Steadying the colt for Him, He slowly mounted the unridden, young donkey. Jesus gave a few nudges with his feet against the donkey's sides and He was on His way.
The colt slowly made its way towards Jerusalem with Jesus on its back; the disciples quietly following along. Shortly thereafter, Jesus humbly riding the donkey colt, entered Jerusalem bringing to fruition the ancient prophecy in Zechariah 9:9. It was there as He came into view that the multitude welcomed Him.
As Jesus meekly rode His way through the crowd, the people laid cut palm branches across His path and waved them in the air shouting "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!" (Matthew 21:8-9)
The Bible tells us that they glady welcomed Jesus thinking he was the hoped for political leader (king) who would overthrow the Romans. and not as the Messiah. Their shouts of "Hosanna" meant "please save us now." (John 18:36; Luke 19:40)
As jubilant as this greeting was, Jesus knew that before the week was over this same rejoicing crowd would turn against and crucify Him. He had already accepted what lay ahead for Him. There was no turning back...
Scripture: John 12:14; Luke 19:29; Luke 19:37; Acts 1:12; Matthew 21:10
Prayer: Dear Lord, as we enter into Holy Week brace us with fortitude and gratitude and with the assurance that you are with us always. Amen.
Have a blessed and safe weekend!
Kaye
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