See Clearly: A Holy Week DevotionalSample

Palm Sunday: Seeing The Wrong King

The crowds wanted a conqueror but missed the suffering Savior.

Key Verse: “They took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!’” — John 12:13

The people of Jerusalem saw Jesus, but they didn’t see Him clearly. They shouted “Hosanna,” expecting a warrior king to overthrow Rome, not a suffering Savior who would conquer sin. Their vision was clouded by their own expectations—so much so that within days, the same crowd that welcomed Him with palm branches would demand His crucifixion.

Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling prophecy, yet many missed the significance. He wasn’t coming to establish an earthly kingdom but to bring salvation through sacrifice. How often do we, like the crowds, expect Jesus to act according to our plans and miss what He’s truly doing?

Spiritual vision isn’t about seeing what we want but recognizing Jesus for who He is. When we surrender our expectations and allow Him to reveal His true purpose, we see with clarity. Jesus came not just to be welcomed but to transform hearts.

Reflection Questions:

1. Have you ever expected Jesus to act in a certain way, only to be surprised by His plan?
2. How can you shift your perspective to recognize Jesus as He truly is?