Terry’s Take… About Palm Sunday
The message of Palm Sunday is one of promise and absolute faith. It shows the importance of believing God, prior to seeing any “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?
Well, if our world was ever in need of Someone/Something we can trust — it’s now!
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 hope. He provides the encouragement and strength to turn our weakness into strength. The message of Palm Sunday points to a Saviour 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 brought it to Christ for him to ride. Nearing Jerusalem, word spread 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.”
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 moment.
Even in the midst of voices competing with each other to be heard… Christ provided a calming influence. He did not scream or tell others to be quiet. I imagine I can see His gentle spirit of love, as he looked on each person individually — accepting them where they were… as they were.
He still does that for you and me today.
In demonstrating His humility, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a lowly donkey.
His choice of a donkey was a symbol of peace. In his time on earth, those who arrived on a donkey were considered to come with peaceful intent. This means that when the world is frantic (which is every day) we can count on the peace of Christ to calm us, comfort us and give us peace.
Palm Sunday carries Christ toward the ultimate sacrifice of his life on the cross, where by his sacrifice we are healed! Its central message is that God sees us and loves what he sees. The only requirement from us is that we welcome him and his peace, and exercise faith in his ultimate healing — on earth or in heaven.
So, let’s start waving our palm fronds!
