Holy Week Readings – “Palm Sunday”

Palm Sunday

Total Reading:  Matthew 21:1-17; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-40; John 12:12-19

Readings Explained:
Matthew 21:1-9; Mark 11:1-10; Luke 19:28-40; John 12:12-19 = Riding the Donkey into Jerusalem
Matthew 21:10-16; Mark 11:11 = Jesus at the Temple
Matthew 21:17; Mark 11:11 = Jesus Returns to Bethany Where He Spends the Night

Some extra explanations:

“Hosanna” is an Aramaic word that means, “O, save (bring the victory), Lord!”  The crowds recognized Jesus as Messiah.  They shouted out, “Son of David” and they were expecting Jesus to immediately overthrow the Roman oppression and set the nation free.  They wanted victory before the cross, but the true victory comes after the resurrection.

In Zechariah 9:9 we read the prophecy of Jesus riding on a donkey.  Kings rode on horses, not donkeys.  Jesus chose the young colt as a symbol of humility and gentleness.

The palm tree is a symbol of triumph, victory over death.  Palms grow in the desert and are able to thrive in spite of the arid climate.  (Brian Simmons and translation team, The Passion Translation, 2020 edition)

Some Thoughts:

I’ve often been puzzled by the thought that some of the same people in the crowd who were shouting “Hosanna!” in exuberance were the same ones who just a few days later would shout “Crucify Him!”  Is that still the case today?  It’s easy to be caught up in the emotions of the moment and shout and sing praises when we’re surrounded by a crowd of fellow worshipers.  However, when things don’t go like we would expect them to, or prayers aren’t answered in the way we’re asking, we tend to distance ourselves from God.   We sometimes forsake Him by giving in to doubts or fears. We even question whether He really cares about us.

This is where faith that we read about in Hebrews 11:1 is really put to the test.

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (New King James Version)

“Now faith is being sure we will get what we hope for. It is being sure of what we cannot see.”  (New Living Version)

Our faith is the evidence to prove what is still unseen.  When we don’t see the way we are expecting to see things happen, our faith is what will keep us as “Hosanna” people.  We know He has truly “brought the victory”, even though it’s not seen.

Prayer:

Lord, as we go into what we call “Passion Week”, may we continue to give you praise and worship you with grateful hearts as we reflect on the great cost you paid for us.  Thank You for Your love that kept You on the cross.

 

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