Palm Sunday: Your King Comes to You...

"When Christ entered into Jerusalem the people spread garments in the way: when He enters into our hearts, we pull off our own righteousness, and not only lay it under Christ’s feet but even trample upon it ourselves."  -Augustus Toplady

Yesterday was Palm Sunday, the Sunday before Easter, which signals the beginning of Passion Week/Holy Week. This signifies the final dark and tragic seven days of Jesus' life.

On Palm Sunday, we observe the victorious entry of Jesus into Jerusalem to commemorate the Passover. Riding on a simple donkey,“A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road (Matthew 21:8).

Some of them ran ahead shouting,“Hosanna to the Son of David!Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” (Matthew 21:9). They were excited at the thought that their long, awaited Messiah had come.

What a thrilling and exciting scene this must have been! The people's hopes and spirits were soaring to new heights. Yes, things were certainly going to be different from now on; to say the least. The celebrating multitude had expected a totally different Messiah.

This savior was supposed to deliver them from political, cultural, and religious persecution. However, this was not the reason for Jesus' presence here on earth. He had come for their spiritual freedom.

It was this missed point that occupied his mind as he rode over the cloaks and palm fronds that were laid out before him. Jesus could see the city of Jerusalem coming closer into view. Looking at the crowd, and hearing their celebration, a sudden wave of emotion overtook him.

He began to weep over Jerusalem (Luke 19:42-47). The people could neither grasp nor appreciate the signification of the cross. The saddest part of all was that they had the Savior in their midst, yet they did not recognize Him.

Even sadder yet, in just a few days many who were in the celebratory crowd on this Palm Sunday would be among those who will cry out the loudest for his crucifixion (Matthew 27:22-23).

Scripture: Jonah 2:9; Psalm 3:8; John 3:5; Psalm 25:5; 1 Thessalonians 5:9

Prayer: Dear Lord, deliver my life; save me for the sake of your steadfast love, amen.

Have a blessed Monday!

Hailey