Palm Sunday – Be Still…

Mark 11:1-19 – What an Entry!

We’ve arrived in Jerusalem with Jesus on his triumphal entry to the magnificent, holy city. The jubilant people were greeting Jesus as he rode in on a donkey. This procession is remembered still today every year by churches around the world as “Palm Sunday,” the start of Holy Week. The crowds responded to Jesus with praise and worship.

Did you wonder why Jesus, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, rode a donkey? Wouldn’t a majestic white steed adorned in ornamental garments have been more appropriate? Jesus was never flashy like that. He was a humble, servant king. This entrance into Jerusalem on a donkey fulfilled prophecy for those who were familiar. (See Zechariah 9:9) Continue reading “Mark 11:1-19 – What an Entry!”

Ezekiel 41:1-26 – Even Palm Trees

Read Ezekiel 41:1-26

I have always loved palm trees. Growing up in Iowa I didn’t see many unless I was on a trip to a tropical paradise. I must admit I was a bit surprised to see that palm trees were specifically part of this vision of God’s new temple. He must like them, too! God loves all of his creation, but not all trees are singled out to adorn the walls and inner sanctuary.

More and more details are revealed in this reading, but it was the palm trees that spoke to me. What would be the significance? Again, we can marvel at how God thought of everything to help his people succeed at worshipping him, all the way down to the palm tree decorations. Continue reading “Ezekiel 41:1-26 – Even Palm Trees”

Zechariah 9:9-10 – Triumph!

Read Zechariah 9:9-10

Don’t you love this passage?! I can almost hear the shouts of “Hosanna” while palm branches are waving about. It’s always great to know where the Old Testament prophecies are that Jesus fulfilled. Here Zechariah announces the coming messianic king.

When the people heard “victorious” and “righteous,” they likely pictured their messiah would be a warrior king. Why then, would he be riding on a donkey’s colt? To be mighty in battle, that king would ride a spirited stallion, a war horse. Note the text says nothing about warfare.

Luke 19:28-44 – Jesus’ Triumphant Entry

Read Luke 19:28-44

Walking with Jesus would have been quite the adventure. Now Jesus is resolute as he begins his final journey toward Jerusalem. We begin that journey with him over the next few days known as “Holy Week,” or here in Mexico it’s a big deal called “Semana Santo.”

Since moving to Mexico, I have made a much bigger attempt to nurture my own personal walk through the season of Lent, which climaxes with Easter Sunday. That may sound a little odd coming from a pastor’s wife. My memories of those days serving a church are precious, but Lent was often stressful as church leaders. There was just so much emphasis on the programming and extra worship times to prepare for. I’m finally experiencing the beauty of connecting with my Savior without all of the “work” stuff distracting me.

Matthew 21:1-12 – Hosanna!

Read Matthew 21:1-12

When you think of Palm Sunday, what is the first memory that comes to your mind? Please share in the comments. I’m expecting that waving palm fronds and processionals in church come to mind. These are precious memories that help us remember a special day!

I had the honor and privilege to teach Mexican children about Palm Sunday this year. While we have plenty of palm trees in our neighborhood, I wasn’t keen on climbing them to pull down some palm leaves, so we used balloons for our praise and adoration time. To see the delight on the children’s faces and imagine that it was seeing Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem with that much joy was very moving.