Palm Sunday

This next week, known as Holy Week, begins tomorrow with Palm Sunday.

Imagine the city of Jerusalem - one small square mile - packed with Jewish visitors from all over, gathered for the annual Passover celebration. Every inch of the city was covered with people from different cultures and speaking different languages, all unified toward one common cause – commemorating one of the greatest miracles of the people of Israel, the exodus from Egypt after 430 years of slavery.  

But this year was different. Jesus, the one who invited the disciples to fish for men, the crippled to get up and walk, a harried Martha to slow down, and a woman drawing water at a well to draw from a well that never runs dry, was rumored to be coming.

Was Jesus the one who would save them from social, political and economic oppression? Excitement was in the air as the crowd lined the path into the city, waiting for Him to arrive as a war-waging king on a majestic horse! Their cloaks lined the road to provide a path of honor, and as He drew closer, palm branches waved symbolizing victory and triumph!  Shouts of Hosanna, translated in Hebrew to mean “save us Lord,” rang out!

“A great crowd who had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, crying, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!’”

- John 12:12-13

But wait! As Jesus came into view, they could see that He was not on a majestic war horse! He was not dressed for a confrontation. He was riding into town on a lowly donkey, the symbol of peace!

Do you see yourself in the crowd? Are you, too, confused, looking for a conquering king… one who will right your wrongs, repair your injustice, advance your political agenda, make you financially secure, etc?  

In Jerusalem, many who shouted, “Hosanna!” will scream, “Crucify him” in a few days.  As you and I  ‘prepare the way’ for Easter in our hearts, let’s ask ourselves this question: Do I sing an empty ‘Hosanna’ while yelling ‘crucify’ in my heart? Is it time to surrender my anger, hurt, pain, bitterness and fear to Jesus,  the Prince of Peace?

“Prepare for God’s arrival! Make the road straight and smooth, a highway fit for our God. Fill in the valleys, level off the hills. Smooth out the ruts, clear out the rocks. Then God’s bright glory will shine and everyone will see it.”

- Isaiah 40:3 MSG

I believe we can experience forgiveness, love, and hope like never before this Easter as we join arms together!

Pastor Pam

‍