“The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem.13 They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna![d]” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”[e] “Blessed is the king of Israel!” 14 Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written: 15 “Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.”[f] 16 At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that these things had been done to him.” John 12.12-6
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of the end of Jesus’ time on earth. He who came to die for the sins of the world was about to fulfill His mission. He who came as a king—not to conquer, but to be crucified—was nearing the end of His road.
What would the atmosphere have been like in ancient Jerusalem that day? Streets filled with visitors for the Passover, shopping in the markets. Children running and playing, adults going about their work at home or in their trade. It’s not life as usual in a Jewish household when preparing for the Passover.
In the midst of all the hustle and bustle comes a surprising but not unanticipated guest—Jesus of Nazareth. We know Him to be the Savior, Messiah, and King. Israel longed for a leader to defeat the Romans, but in truth, they needed someone to save them from the curse of sin and death.
The donkey Jesus rode that day was a young colt, never ridden before, as pure as the man who sat upon it. The green palm branches laid at His feet and the celebration of one who might rescue them were exaltations of what God was doing among them. He rode through the crowd up to Jerusalem as people shouted, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the king of Israel!” The atmosphere was electric. You could feel it in the air.
And so we celebrate today because we know what kind of king God has sent. But we do so with a sobering effect as the beginning of the end commences. He came, born as a baby to live; He came as God in the flesh to die for the sins of the world.
My challenge to you is to prepare your heart for this week. Prepare your mind to receive Him, your soul to praise Him. For your king comes riding on a colt. “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest!”
“O Lord God, Holy Week is upon us—a time when we acknowledge Your willingness to save us from our sins. The love, joy, pain, grace, and forgiveness You offer are available to all. I pray that we might receive Your gift. Come now, Holy Spirit, fill us with Your passion and love. Help us know how amazing You are. For You are good, and Your love endures forever.” Amen