Holy Week | Palm Sunday

INTRODUCTION

Holy Week (or Passion Week) begins on Palm Sunday and ends on Resurrection Sunday (Easter Sunday). These are some of the most sacred days on the Christian calendar. I will release a blog post each day this week for you to use as a devotional guide. These posts will contain Bible readings, critical explanations of the text, devotional thoughts, and a prayer. So, please join me as we examine what Jesus was up to during Holy Week.

PALM SUNDAY

You can read the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem in the following passages: Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-44, John 12:9-19.

Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem fulfills OT prophecy (Zechariah 9:9), as he rides into town, mounted on a donkey colt, the crowds welcome him by laying out palm branches and their own cloaks along the way.

It’s a spectacular moment. Jesus is declaring himself as Lord. The crowds are proclaiming: “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” The Hebrew meaning for “Hosanna” is “O Save.” The crowd is acknowledging that Jesus is the Davidic Messiah.

Yet, the two, Jesus and the crowds, have a different understanding of what it would mean for Jesus to become the Messiah.

The crowd is looking for a king, a messiah, to deliver them from their Roman oppressors. Much like God had done for his people through prophets, judges, and kings throughout Israel’s history.

Jesus knows what this entry into Jerusalem will mean for his life—death. Many of those within this crowd will soon turn against him, along with the Jewish authorities, and demand his crucifixion by the hands of Roman soldiers. And though he knew what lay ahead of him, he presses on. 

Let the reader understand what these crowds and his disciples could not comprehend, in that moment: Jesus was on his way to become the Christ (Messiah), the Lord of Lords, and the King of Kings. 

Far greater than his triumphant entry into Jerusalem, as the king the crowds wrongly wanted, is Jesus’ triumphant victory over sin and death, becoming the Savior the world rightly needs. 

“Jesus came to establish a kingdom reign over all nations, including Israel and Rome—a reign of grace in the hearts of his followers and a reign of peace over all he has made. Jesus makes us joyful prisoners of hope by rescuing us from the empty promises of hype (Zechariah 8:9-12).” – The Gospel Transformation Bible (notes on John 12:12-19)

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS AND A PRAYER

The crowds were distracted by what they wanted in a messiah, rather than being captivated by what they needed in a messiah. It’s a bit reminiscent of the story of Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38-42). 

Jesus enters a village. Martha welcomes him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the feet of Jesus and listened to his teaching. Martha is upset by the lack of her sister’s help with the meal preparations. Why? “Martha was distracted with much serving.” So, she complains to Jesus. And Jesus replies: “Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken from her.” 

During the course of your week, you are tempted to make many different things your messiah, king, and lord. In what ways and by what things have you been distracted from fellowship with Jesus this week? 

Friends, do not long for earthly, fleeting, treasures. Long for the heavenly, lasting, treasure that is yours in Christ Jesus—eternal life, which is yours by faith in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. 

Rather than becoming distracted, anxious, or troubled by many things, go to Jesus today. Fellowship with him through reading, prayer, and singing. The one thing necessary in life is fellowship with Jesus. He is the good portion. And he will never be taken away from you.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank you for your kindness toward me. In sending your Son to give his life for my sins and by raising him from the dead, you have given me exactly what I need: a Savior. Help me then to not be distracted by the things of this world. Grant me the grace to follow Jesus wholeheartedly on this day. I love you. Thank you for your love. Amen.

For further understanding, check out this video on Palm Sunday by The Gospel Coalition.