Easter ReflectionsSample

Palm Sunday, also known as The Triumphant Entry, marks the beginning of Holy Week, i.e., the week when Jesus enters Jerusalem, is apprehended by Jewish leaders, crucified, dies, and resurrects on the third day. It draws its name from the laying down of fresh palm leaves on the ground by the crowd as Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a colt (Matthew 21:8).

Jerusalem was a city of Messianic significance, historically known as the City of David (2 Samuel 5:9-10). David was the greatest king Israel had ever had. Israel had conquered all its enemies under his leadership, and God had promised him that his Kingdom would be established forever (2 Samuel 7:16).

Genealogically, Jesus descended from David (Matthew 1:6). Palm Sunday, therefore, marks the entry of Jesus as King into the City of David.

Before entering Jerusalem, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples to find a specific colt that no one had ever ridden (Luke 19:30-35). His entry fulfilled Zechariah's prophecy, "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey" (Zechariah 9:9).

The spreading of palm branches and garments along Jesus's path (Matthew 21:8) harkens back to Jehu, centuries earlier, who was coronated as king by his colleagues at the prophet's word (2 Kings 9:1-13). Similarly, Palm Sunday was a coronation of Jesus as King in anticipation of his establishing the throne of David forever.

The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted with joy, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord" (Matthew 21:9; Psalm 118:25–26). As Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, wanting to know who he was. The crowds with him responded, "This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee" (Matthew 21:11).

Many of them hoped that Jesus would liberate them from their oppressors (the Romans in this case), as David had done before him. But Jesus' Kingdom was not of the earth (John 18:36). Rather, it was a spiritual kingdom that would bring salvation by seeking and saving the lost (Luke 19:10).

For us today, Christ has established his Kingdom. Therefore, this Easter, aim to rejoice that he has, for you know and possess better than they who sang when he entered Jerusalem. Outrejoice those who, anticipating an earthly kingdom, shouted in praise.

Do you believe in Jesus as the King who established David's throne forever, or are you hoping for a different king?

Prayer:

God, I praise you for fulfilling your promises to us. I ask today, dear Father, that you fill me with joy over the fact that for me, a sinner and lost, Christ came, and your Kingdom he has established forever. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.