SUNDAY April 10, 2022

Palm Sunday

Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ Hosanna in the highest!”
Matthew 21:9

Palm Sunday begins our journey into Passion Week––the final days leading to Jesus’ death on the Cross and His powerful Resurrection. Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem humbly, riding on a donkey. This momentous event is known as His Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem––an incredible moment in history which fulfilled the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9:

“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey.”

Jesus’ fame had spread. For now, the multitudes loved Him. The people waved palm leaves as they lined the streets and cried out, “Hosanna, Hosanna,” meaning, “Save now, save now.” Yet they were not looking for a Savior for the forgiveness of their sins. They wanted a conquering hero––a King who would rid them of their cruel Roman oppressors.

The Romans occupied Israel, and God’s people suffered immensely under their harsh rule. For now, with renewed hope, they praised Christ as King. Lacking understanding, they believed the time of Roman occupation was over––their Messiah had come to save them. Other visitors in the city saw this joyous commotion and asked, “Who is this?” The multitudes replied: “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee” (Matthew 21:11).

Jesus did not meet their expectations. In the eyes of the people, they saw no deliverance and became disappointed in their King. Hope was lost. Many who had cried out, “Hosanna, Hosanna,” rejected Him and instead, cried out, “Crucify Him.” They failed to know God’s plan of salvation. Jesus was the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29). Jesus was born to die for our deliverance from sin! Knowing this, why not cry out to Jesus? He is the Only one who can save you from eternal judgment.

It is not your hold of Christ that saves, but His hold of you.
~C. H. Spurgeon~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!