We celebrate Palm Sunday the week before Easter. On that day we remember Jesus’ procession into Jerusalem with the crowd waving palms and shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” (Matt. 21:1-19)
The discipleship guide for Palm Sunday in the Holiday Reflections resource reminds us that what happened that day gives us a reason to worship today. (This resource includes guides for 13 other holidays with reflections that take us beyond the holiday itself.) The Palm Sunday guide contains the following points plus a bit more input. It also provides some questions for reflection about our worship.
Think about what Palm Sunday is and how that gives us cause to worship.
. . fulfillment of prophecy
Certainly fulfillment of prophecy should lead to belief that Jesus is who He says He is.
. . hope for a deliverer
Hosanna can turn into maranatha for us … as He is yet to come as reigning King to deliver from the presence of sin.
. . more than a procession on the road to Jerusalem
We also see Him in the temple overturning tables (Matt. 21:12-13) and healing the blind and lame (Matt. 21:14). This should remind us to see Jesus for the whole of who He is, not just the “feel good” part.
. . time for a heart check-up
The religious leaders demonstrated displeasure and indignation (Matt. 21:15-16). Though the crowds reacted positively on the road to Jerusalem, in the temple only children continued in praise. May this day be a time for us to reflect on our own heart’s condition.
Jesus was upset and had every right to be. They were disrespectful to His Father.
Elsewhere we read, “His disciples remembered that it is written: ‘Zeal for your house will consume me.'” (Jn. 1:17)