Palm Sunday was the day of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem – a joyous occasion and a time of great celebration. Then, the adoring crowd waved and laid down palm branches to welcome Jesus as they proclaimed Him King. Zechariah’s prophecy was fulfilled:
“Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” – Zechariah 9:9
Soon thereafter, the same crowd would be choosing Barabbas over Jesus (see John 18:39-40).
Jesus had come in humility to fulfill the will of the Father. The Israelites had been looking out for a warrior to wage a physical onslaught upon their oppressors but often times God fulfills His promises in unexpected ways. What they did not understand was the battle was a spiritual one. And, it still is, for we are told in Ephesians 6:12,
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
During our own times of struggle we ought to welcome Jesus to the fight, rejoicing in the knowledge that He fights our battles for us (Exodus 14:14; Deuteronomy 1:30, 3:22; 1 Samuel 17:47; 2Chronicles 32:8).
In this last week of Lent, keep in mind that Jesus has already won the battle and liberated us from sin through His death and resurrection and let us acknowledge His finished work and welcome Him into our lives with shouts of joy, praising Him as our King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Amen †
Palm Sunday ©2013 Shelley Johnson 25-Mar-2013
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