SUNDAY April, 2, 2023
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 significant event is known as Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. It is a 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 far and wide, for now, the multitudes loved Him. Eagerly lining the streets to see their coming King, they spread their clothes and palm branches on the road. The multitudes cried out, “Hosanna, Hosanna,” meaning, “Save now, save now.” God’s people were suffering because the Romans had invaded and occupied Israel. They wanted a conquering hero––a King who would rid them of their Roman oppressors. Sadly, they were not looking for a Savior who could forgive their sins.
For now, the people had renewed hope. They praised Christ as King, But lacking understanding, they believed their Messiah had come to save them from the yoke of Roman bondage. Entering the city of Jerusalem and seeing the jubilant crowds, people asked, “Who is this?” The multitudes replied: “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee” (Matthew 21:11).
Perhaps this Easter, you have the same question as those in the city of Jerusalem, “Who is this?” Come to church this Passion Week and find out who Jesus of Nazareth really is.
That Jesus of Nazareth died upon a cross is mere matter of history; that He who did so die was the Christ the Son of God is entirely a matter of revelation.
~Robert Anderson~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
