PALM SUNDAY

There is no greater story in the history of humanity than that of Holy Week. The drama that unfolded over those eight days changed everything instantly and forever. Whether you are a believer in Jesus Christ or someone who discovered this devotional by chance, the journey you are about to embark on has no rival. The events of Palm Sunday, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and all the days in between are, at the least, foundational for understanding the world you exist in now and, at their most significant, pillars upon which the entirety of eternity rests.

Perhaps it is fitting then that as we open our time together, we begin with a scene of triumph. Let the words of scripture wash over you like any propelling text. Can you smell the dust, feel the heat of the sun, hear the shouts of the crowd? Watch as Jesus enters Jerusalem on the back of a young donkey (fulfilling the prophesies recorded in Zechariah.) Listen as men and women hailed him with cries of “Hosanna!” which means “Save!” and choruses of what was written in Psalm 118, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

Take it all in, the throughline of Scripture playing out before your eyes. (Don’t fret if you didn’t see the connections at first, neither did Jesus’ closest followers, although they would come to in time.) Today is a day for celebration. The King has arrived. He wasn’t what the church leaders had in mind, a warrior come to destroy their enemies in conquest, but He was what all of humanity needed and still needs, the one with the authority to crush our true enemy under his heel and to bring peace between heaven and mankind.

To the believing, join the chorus of the crowd today, sing praise for the king has come.

To the wondering, find your place in the crowd and follow along. Perhaps you will find what you’ve been looking for.

One thing is certain: none of us will ever be the same.

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Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!

Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!

Heir of salvation, purchase of God

Born of his Spirit, washed in His blood

This is my story, this is my song

Praising my Savior all the day long

This is my story, this is my song

Praising my Savior all the day long