On the first “Palm Sunday,” the streets were filled with Jewish pilgrims preparing for the Passover, only a few days away. There was a lot of excitement around town about the Rabbi who had come performing miracles and teaching as one who had authority. Something was different about Him, and people were wondering whether He could be the long-awaited king that the prophets had proclaimed centuries ago.
When Jesus arrived in Jerusalem that day, He was seated on a colt, just as the prophet Zechariah had said the coming king would be. The crowds began to rejoice, shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!”
But as the crowds rejoiced, Jesus wept. He wept over the city of Jerusalem and the people who filled its streets because they did not understand who He was or why He had come. They were expecting a political revolution, not a spiritual one. And soon, when their misplaced hopes were crushed, their shouts of “Hosanna!” would turn to “Crucify Him!”
Jesus had come for a crucifixion, not a coronation.
We celebrate Palm Sunday in hindsight, with the knowledge of what Jesus’ triumphal entry really meant. When we wave palm branches and shout “Hosanna!” – we do so to the risen King of Kings!
Jesus was busy that last week as He prepared to fulfill His earthly mission. I encourage you to read about it:
Matthew 21-28
Mark 11-16
Luke 19-24
John 12-21
