Digging Deeper: Jesus Enters Jerusalem – Palm Sunday
12 The next day, the news that Jesus was on the way to Jerusalem swept through the city. A large crowd of Passover visitors 13 took palm branches and went down the road to meet him. They shouted, “Praise God! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Hail to the King of Israel!”
John 12:12-13 (NLT)
JESUS ENTERS JERUSALEM: PALM SUNDAY
“The palm branches! Where are the palm branches?” the Donkey shouted. “Yesterday, you threw palm branches!” Hurt and confused, the donkey returned home to his mother. “Foolish child,” she said gently. “Don’t you realize that without Him, you are just an ordinary donkey?”
John records the beginning of what has traditionally been called “Passion Week.” Beginning with Palm Sunday (named this because the people spread palm branches out before Jesus during His so-called Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem). Spreading their coats on the road, as well as freshly cut branches, it was their version of rolling out the red carpet.
Praise God, also translated Hosanna, was originally a prayer addressed to God, meaning “O save us now” (Ps. 118:25a). Later it came to be used as a shout of praise (like “Hallelujah!”) and then as an enthusiastic welcome to pilgrims or a famous Rabbi.
This week started with praise but was filled with unpleasant interactions with Jewish leaders in Jerusalem, culminating in Jesus’ arrest, trial, and crucifixion. The people misunderstood the type of Kingdom Jesus had come to establish.
Reflection
What are some misconceptions you believe society in general has about Jesus? What are some misconceptions you have had about Jesus that have changed since you became a Christian?
Prayer
Praise Jesus as the King of all Kings. Ask God to show you any areas of your life where you have misunderstood His place in your life.
Dr. Larry Grays is the father of four and lives in the Canton area. Larry consults with churches, schools, city governments, and businesses nationwide. He’s been a member of the NorthStar family for over 20 years.