Mark 11:1-11
This day, Palm Sunday, is a day of rejoicing. The people of Jerusalem heard that Jesus was coming to town, and they gathered to welcome Him. News of His coming must have spread quickly for a crowd was in place to greet Him. They welcomed Him like royalty, throwing their cloaks and their palm branches on the path before Him. And they shouted “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” It must have been a grand event. I can imagine the swell of the crowd, pushing upon one another to get a glimpse of Jesus, perhaps little children on their parent’s shoulders so they could see, as well as children running to and fro waving their palm branches.
It’s important to note the prophet Zechariah had foretold this event: “Lo, your king comes to you; triumphant and victorious is he, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey” (Zechariah 9:10). Zechariah’s prophecies are dated 520-518 BCE.
Jesus enters Jerusalem riding on a donkey – the symbol of humility. I would like to think He was demonstrating one last time to everyone that His kingdom was built on a life of service. The rest of this Holy Week will show just that.
No doubt we will sing (or we sang) “Hosanna, Loud Hosanna” today in church. The last verse reads
“Hosanna in the highest!” that ancient song we sing,
For Christ is our Redeemer, the Lord of heaven our King.
O may we ever praise him with heart and life and voice,
And in his blissful presence eternally rejoice! (UMH 278)
As a disciple of Jesus Christ we can rejoice at all times and in all places.
May we share with the world that we belong to Christ, not only in words (as we rejoice) but also in deed. May we ever praise him with heart and life and voice!
Hosanna!!
Judy Oguich*
*This devotion was written by Judy Oguich and presented by Paula Cadden.
Today is the first day of Holy Week. Learn more about our Holy Week Schedule here: HOLY WEEK
