The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” – John 12:12-13
This weekend, one week before Easter, is Palm Sunday. This day signifies the moment when Jesus rode atop a donkey into the city of Jerusalem while crowds of people praised Him and laid palm branches before Him.
Lessons from Palm Sunday
Thousands of years later, we Christians celebrate Palm Sunday as a reminder of this triumphant entry into Jerusalem. While there are many lessons we can learn from this holiday, we hope to encourage you to spend this weekend remembering and applying these two important takeaways from Palm Sunday:
Remember Christ’s Humility
Throughout the Gospels, we see countless reminders of Jesus’ humility. Jesus didn’t choose to come to save His people as they thought He would — some royal conqueror who would defeat the Romans. Rather, He came to earth as a child born in a manger, son to a virgin and a carpenter.
In the same way, rather than parading into Jerusalem led by trumpets and wearing fancy garments, Jesus rode on a donkey during His Palm Sunday entry. He didn’t even sit on a proper saddle, but rather His disciples laid their robes over the donkey’s back to provide a cushion.
Jesus certainly didn’t live a life of luxury. Rather, His life was as humble as could be, all the way up to His death on the cross, crucified as a criminal. So, this Palm Sunday, remember Christ’s humility. Remember that the God of all Creation came to this earth as one us, yet perfect and sinless.
Be Eager to Praise the Lord
As Jesus rode into the city, people flooded the streets shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!”
As Christians, Palm Sunday is a simple reminder for us to celebrate. The people of Jerusalem, recognizing Jesus as the promised Messiah, rushed to see Him and worship Him. They were eager to praise Him.
Let the people’s eagerness to worship Christ in the story of Palm Sunday be an example for us to be quick to praise the Lord too. After all, He died so we may live. Why are we often hesitant to praise Him then?
Have a Great Palm Sunday!
Holy Week can stir a range of emotions in us as Christians, from exuberance on Palm Sunday to grief on Good Friday to celebration again on Easter. Hopefully this post is an encouragement to some of you to remember the humility of Jesus Christ and why we should be eager to praise Him.
With all that said, we hope your family has a wonderful weekend. God bless!
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