SUNDAY April 13, 2025
Palm Sunday
“Tell the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your King is coming to you, lowly, and sitting on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey.’ ”
Matthew 21:5
This was such a significant day in history––Palm Sunday––the day when Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem on April 6, 32 AD. It is remarkable because 2000 years later, we are still celebrating His first coming. Palm Sunday begins the last week of Christ’s life. This week is often referred to as Passion Week. Jesus knew He was taking His final steps toward the Cross.
For 3½ years, Jesus was among the people––preaching, teaching, and healing them. Much of His ministry was spent in the region of Galilee. While He was famous, thousands followed Him; but in the end, very few believed in Him. Jesus was hated by King Herod, the Pharisees, and Sadducees. When Jesus entered Jerusalem, humbly riding on a donkey, His enemies were also watching.
Imagine the people in the city experiencing such incredible joy as they spread their clothes on the road. Others cut down palm branches and placed them on the road ahead of Him (Matthew 21:8). Meanwhile, the religious leaders looked on with hatred and murder in their hearts.
Luke 19 gives us a different viewpoint. As Jesus descended the Mount of Olives, a whole multitude of Jesus’ disciples praised God and cried out: “ ‘Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the LORD!’ Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” (Luke 19:38). The Pharisees were upset by the praise of the people. They called out from among the crowds: “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples” (Luke 19:39). With authority, Jesus replied: “I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out” (Luke 19:40).
Of course, we do not gather in the city of Jerusalem to praise our King, but we shall gather as His disciples in churches all across the world to worship Him. As we cry out, our enemies who oppose Christianity, still want to silence us––but let us resolve in our hearts to worship Him.
O worship the King, all glorious above, O gratefully sing His power and His love; Our Shield and Defender, the Ancient of Days....
~Robert Grant~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
