Palm Sunday celebrates the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. His ride was a young unbroken donkey, fit for a king! During His trip, Jesus’ followers gave Him a royal treatment, singing praises and respectfully laying down their cloaks and palm fronds in front of Him (Matthew 21:1-11).

About 500 years before this grand event, the prophet Zechariah prophesied about it saying, “Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey” (Zechariah 9:9NIV).

“Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.’”

– Mark 10:27 

Psalm 23: 5-6

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

This triumphant entry had been part of God’s plan all along— His plan to set mankind free from the shackles of sin and death and to redeem us to Himself so that we can experience His love and know His purpose for our lives.


The crowd chanted joyfully in Jesus’ honour as He approached the city, “Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest heaven!”(Matthew 21:9). But barely a week later at His trial, the same crowd screamed angrily, “Crucify Him!”

What went wrong?

While the fanfare for Jesus was going on, the Pharisees were bitter. He had been challenging their doctrines and traditions and they desperately sought a way to get rid of Him. As Jesus rode into Jerusalem He knew His death was near, but His people didn’t.

The Jews welcomed Jesus because of their own selfish interests. They saw Him as their saviour from the Romans and when He failed to overthrow the Roman Empire, they quickly turned against Him.  



Lessons from Palm Sunday


Just like many other events in the life of Jesus, there are lessons to be learned from

His glorious road trip to Jerusalem. Here are some of them:·    


  • Focus on your purpose: Though Jesus knew that death awaited Him in Jerusalem, He never backed down from fulfilling His purpose. How many times have you been faced with an obstacle or a challenge in your walk with God and you thought of giving up? Jesus is saying, “Don’t quit, I am with you.” Keep forging ahead in faith.· 


  • Stop worrying about criticisms: Are people constantly criticizing and gossiping about you, and trying to frustrate you from fulfilling your purpose? Stop feeling despondent because of the opinions of others. What’s more important is how God sees you— the apple of His eyes.·  

 

  • Don’t be stuck in your comfort zone: It was Jesus’ destiny to die on the cross and to do that He had to leave where He was for Jerusalem. Don’t get too comfortable where you are as it can hinder you from fulfilling God’s plan for your life and receiving His blessings. Even if you are faced with giants on your journey, know that God will fight for you. Victory is yours!·      

 

  • Don’t get caught up in the praises of men: A multitude of people welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem with singing and dancing, but most of them deserted Him at the cross, even His own disciples. During difficult times friends and praises are in short supply but when you keep your focus on God, you will never walk alone. “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged (Deuteronomy 31:8).


Ultimately, Palm Sunday, just like Easter, Christmas, and other major festivals in Christianity, is all about Jesus. It provides an opportunity to reflect on the immeasurable love He has for mankind, the sacrifices He willingly made for our salvation, and the joy of His resurrection.

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