The message of Palm Sunday is one of promise and absolute faith. It shows the importance of believing God, prior to seeing final results. Jesus’ arrival into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday was foretold long before it happened. “Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’” (Zechariah 9:9)
So, what does this have to do with our 21st-century circumstances today.
If our world was ever in need of Someone/Something we can trust — it’s now! As I write this from my home, dealing with a pandemic like everyone else, I’m struck more than ever with the truth that I can trust in one thing only. God!
The Lord’s promise to love us unconditionally, to never leave or forsake us, and to do what we cannot do for ourselves, gives us a firm foundation we can stand on. He provides the encouragement and strength to turn our weakness into strength. The message of Palm Sunday points to a Savior who is willing and able to save us from any catastrophe, and he shows us how to best conduct ourselves when emotions run high.
By reading Matthew 21:1-11, Luke 19:28-40, and John 12:12-19, we capture the panoramic view of the Palm Sunday story. It sets the scene for the prophecy fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9.
As directed by Jesus, two of the disciples went into a village and untied a donkey and its colt, then brought them to Christ for him to ride. Nearing Jerusalem, word spreads about Jesus’ approach. I imagine whispers started first. “Did you hear? He’s coming — the one they call Messiah — our King. We must welcome him as he deserves.”
Soon, the whispers transformed into frenzied shouts, prompting young boys to scurry up palm trunks and cut enough fronds for the growing crowd. “Hurry. We must be prepared for his arrival,” voices from the ground cried out.
A messenger arrived breathless, rasping, “He is close, maybe a mile away.”
Armloads of palm fronds passed quickly among men, women, and children, who then lined the edges of the road, waiting in anticipation. Then, someone shouted, “There! I see him. The king approaches!”
When Jesus was close enough for the people to see the gentle and loving smile he wore, they began waving the palms and shouting, “Hosanna to the son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of The Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”
We can learn much from this monumental moment.
Because He came, died, and rose again today we can sing Hosanna in the highest.
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