Palm Sunday / Passion Sunday

03/24/24

Matthew 21:1-11; Zech. 9:9

This is the day we celebrate the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem.

The day marks the beginning of Holy Week, which includes Good Friday (the day Jesus died on the cross) and Easter Sunday (the day Jesus was resurrected from death).

Jesus Christ was a King (royalty) who displayed humility by riding on a donkey/colt. “A colt is a young male donkey which is less than four years of age.” (google)

Palm: People greeted and welcomed him by spreading their clothes, leaves, and palm fronts on the street as He rode on the colt. Palm signifies victory/triumph.

“And when He had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, “Who is this?”

So, the multitudes said, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee.” Matt. 21:10-11

“Who is this?” is the question that the people of Jerusalem asked when they saw how much attention Jesus received and the honor He received when He rode into Jerusalem. Those who followed Him said He was a prophet from Nazareth. Ironically, the people and leaders of Jerusalem did not know Jesus.

What an extraordinary savior we have! Someone who knew He would be arrested and crucified, yet He was coming majestically.

It all made sense when the people chanted, “Hosannah in the highest.” – Matt. 21:9 “Hosanna is often thought of as a declaration of praise, similar to hallelujah, but it is actually a plea for salvation. The Hebrew root words are found in Psalm 118:25, which says, “Save us, we pray, O LORD!” (ESV). The Hebrew words Yasha (“deliver, save”) and anna (“beg, beseech”) combine to form the word that, in English, is “hosanna.” Literally, hosanna means “I beg you to save!” or “Please deliver us!” (https://www.gotquestions.org/hosanna.html)

I suspect that when people chanted ‘Save, oh Lord,’ Jesus would say in His heart, ‘Yes, I am going to save you.’ ‘I am coming into Jerusalem to do the work of salvation on the cross.’

For everyone here who is looking for salvation of your soul, Jesus is the answer. If you are looking for salvation from physical, financial, or emotional adversities, Jesus is the answer.

Some people and rulers in Jerusalem did not know Jesus. They asked, “Who is this?” (Matt. 21:10), but some recognized Him as the Son of David, the king and Messiah who could save and deliver them from Roman oppression. Even children recognized Him as the Son of David, although the high priests were indignant (Matt. 21:12-17). Listen, do not be among those who remain ignorant of Jesus’s saving power. Those who remain ignorant always lose out.

Jesus is here again today; yes, He is present where you are. Accept Him as your Lord and Savior. Call upon Him now; you will be saved. Romans 10:13 says, “For whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.” His whole purpose in coming into this world was to save you from your sins.

“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! – John 1:29

Jesus has come to take away your sins. He has come to heal you. He has come to deliver you. Give your life to Him. Now is the day of salvation (2 Cor. 6:1).

Let us pray.

Pray that Jesus will save you now.

Pray that Christ’s work of salvation shall not be in vain in your life.