Palm Sunday

By Melissa Harris

Read

They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna” in the highest heaven!” When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” – Matthew 21:7-11 (NIV)

Reflect

Today, Jesus, you are treated like the King that you are! We rejoice in your entry into the world and into our lives! Joining with the crowds, we sing your praises and exalt your reign. But even so, our hearts are far from true worship, and our minds are distant from true understanding. 

As we enter into and start to reflect on the week ahead, let us rejoice in the true worship of the Lord. Let us be ever mindful as we walk through this week of the sacrifice you made for us. Let us go ahead as the crowds did and prepare the way of the Lord. 

Apply

Like the crowds, get caught up in the anticipation and excitement of Palm Sunday, and let it remind us of the hope we have in Christ’s promises. Just as the people eagerly awaited the arrival of the Messiah, we await His return with anticipation and hope. This anticipation should fuel our faith and inspire us to live each day with purpose and expectation, knowing that our ultimate hope is found in Jesus Christ.

Pray

Merciful God, as we enter Holy Week, turn our hearts again to Jerusalem and to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Stir up within us the gift of faith so that we may not only praise Him with our lips but follow Him in the way of the cross.

In Jesus’s holy name, we pray. Amen.