This coming Lord’s Day is “Palm Sunday.” It’s the day we commemorate the Lord’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem. This marked the beginning of the Passion week, the series of events Jesus described as the hour of His glorification (John 12:23). Within a few days, Christ would institute a portion of the Passover meal to be regularly observed until His return (Luke 22:18-20), suffer betrayal by a kiss (Luke 22:48) and be falsely accused by the Jewish leaders (Matt 26:59). Despite Pontius Pilate’s personal objections, he would sentence Jesus to death by crucifixion out of political expediency (John 19:1-16). Christ would be buried in a tomb behind a huge stone, sealed and guarded by Pilate’s command (Matt 27:65-66). Though the events following Christ’s entrance looked as though He had entered the holy city only to be defeated, it was the triumph of the ages for death could not hold Him. On the third day, our Lord rose from the grave, victorious over death, hell and the powers of darkness (Col. 2:15; Rev 1:18)!
As we approach Palm Sunday, try to imagine yourself as one among that clamoring crowd who welcomed Jesus on that glorious day. We can surely join with those who hailed Him as their King for we too are a part of that vast multitude He came to save.
The Passover was fast approaching. Jerusalem was filled with hundreds of thousands of people from all over the Empire. These weary travelers had journeyed to Jerusalem for this great Pilgrimage Festival. In nearby Bethany, Jesus was the guest of honor at a dinner party. Lazarus, whom Christ had raised from the dead, was also among the distinguished guests. He had become quite famous. Word had spread far and wide about Lazarus of Bethany, a decomposing corpse who emerged from his tomb at Jesus’ command. Therefore, when some of the Jews learned that both Jesus and Lazarus were present at this banquet, they were overcome with curiosity. A considerable number converged upon the scene, anxious to catch a glimpse of the celebrities (John 12:9).
The next day, Jesus and His disciples began to make their way from Bethany to the Holy City. Along the way, He acquired a young donkey to ride into town. When word of His approach reached the bustling metropolis, it began to spread like wildfire. Jesus, the miracle worker, was on His way to Jerusalem for the feast. This man from Galilee had developed quite a reputation. The air was so thick with speculation and anticipation one could cut it with a knife. Who is this man of mystery? He is surely more than a Rabbi. Is He a prophet, perhaps Elijah, the forerunner of the Messiah? Is He “the Prophet,” the deliverer like Moses who was to come? Then again, He might just be the Messiah Himself, the long-awaited king! These were all common speculations bantered about during Christ’s public ministry. Whoever they thought Him to be, it is clear that, to the people, He was a figure of hope. As the crowd’s wonder and expectancy began to take on a life of its own, a consensus seemed to form. Jesus is, in fact, the Messiah. Surely, He is coming to Jerusalem to assume the throne. Thus, many of the Jews, who had been hearing so much about this remarkable man, came out of the city to meet Him. Other excited pilgrims, on their way to Jerusalem, joined Jesus on the road, taking a place in this thrilling procession. Some of the people began lining Jesus’ path with their cloaks. Others took palm branches and spread them along the road. They were rolling out the red carpet for the one they hoped would take the throne and declare Himself their king. Some of the people waved palm branches as they welcomed Jesus and shouted “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Blessed is the king of Israel!” What a sight this must have been from the Temple Mount. With people streaming out of Jerusalem to meet the Lord, a procession breaks over the ridge of the Mount of Olives. Down the slope and across the Kidron brook comes Jesus, in royal form, with cloaks and palms paving the path. Excited spectators run along the lane, before and after the advancing procession and people line the path as they wave palm branches and cry out “Hosanna.”
The real bondage from which they needed liberating was the power of sin. Unless broken by the cross of Christ, that power would hold sway eternally
From Christ’s humble entrance into Jerusalem on a donkey (Zech 9:9) to the shouts of “Hosanna” (Psalm 118:25-26), His triumphal entry fulfilled a plethora of Messianic prophecies. However, when the people shouted Hosanna, “Lord save us,” they were declaring a truth better than they knew. This is precisely what Christ was about to accomplish. He had heard their cry and He had come to deliver them. Yet, it was not the salvation the people had in mind. Their cry for deliverance was from the bondage of the oppressive Roman government. However, that pagan bondage, at its worst, could only affect them physically and for the brief span of their natural life. The real bondage from which they needed liberating was the power of sin. Unless broken by the cross of Christ, that power would hold sway eternally. That’s the victory Christ came to bring.
Like that crowd so long ago, we too can lose sight of the victory we need. How often do we look to Christ expecting temporal and material victories? Thankfully, the Lord has heard our cry and He brings us deliverance! But it’s the kind of deliverance we truly need! The trials and troubles of this life are light and momentary afflictions (2 Cor 4:17). Our Lord came to conquer our eternal enemy. That’s the ultimate victory. Christ has won the day through His life, death, resurrection, and ascension! Because of His redeeming work, we can shout, “O death where is your sting? O grave, where is your victory?” The King of Kings and Lord of Lords now sits on the highest throne and we are His subjects. So, rejoice in the Lord! Let us join with those multitudes who welcomed Him by crying out, “Hosanna, Hosanna!” The Lord our God, the Prince of Peace, has come and He has delivered us from our sins!
