Palm/Passion Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, and it is often a bittersweet celebration.
Over time, many people have asked themselves why would Jesus make such a spectacle of his arrival in Jerusalem given the danger he was in?
Well, Jesus was a man who put himself out there; he challenged injustice, he called out those who used their power to suppress the ordinary people, he healed on the Sabbath, he spent his short ministry preaching love and forgiveness. And he took huge risks in the hopes of encouraging others into living a better life with God. He paid dearly for these risks with his own life.
The story for Palm Sunday is shared below:
Matthew 21:1-11 – NIRV Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King
21 As they all approached Jerusalem, they came to Bethpage. It was on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent out two disciples. 2 He said to them, “Go to the village ahead of you. As soon as you get there, you will find a donkey tied up. Her colt will be with her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them. The owner will send them right away.”
4 This took place so that what was spoken through the prophet would come true. It says,
5 “Say to the city of Zion,
‘See, your king comes to you.
He is gentle and riding on a donkey.
He is riding on a donkey’s colt.’” (Zechariah 9:9)
6 The disciples went and did what Jesus told them to do. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt. They placed their coats on them for Jesus to sit on. 8 A very large crowd spread their coats on the road. Others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 Some of the people went ahead of him, and some followed. They all shouted,
“Hosanna to the Son of David!”
“Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Psalm 118:26)
“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
10 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up. The people asked, “Who is this?”
11 The crowds answered, “This is Jesus. He is the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”
Yes, Jesus rode into Jerusalem in triumph, but he left in despair and death.
We cannot ride a donkey into Jerusalem. But we can, in the days and weeks ahead, reach out to others in whatever way possible. We can inspire others to be as strong and courageous as Jesus was, spurred on by the spirit at work within us in this coming Holy Week.
My prayer for you this Palm/Passion Sunday:
Through the hosannas and the waving of palms, the singing, and the joy
let us walk the road with Jesus.
Through the betrayal and the denial, the shouting, and the sorrow
let us walk the road with Jesus.
Through the waving of palms and the passion, the prayers, and the pain
Let us walk the road with Jesus.
Let us have the courage to say Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
We will walk with him today, tomorrow, and always. Amen
In peace
Pastor Beryl, DLM