Passion Week: Palm Sunday

I wanted to take a few days this week and focus on the passion of our Lord. And by passion - I mean "suffering." The week before Jesus was crucified on the cross, several events took place which are happenings that we should ponder and mediate upon during the Easter season.

The first event that a born-again follower of Christ should meditate upon is Palm Sunday. I can remember growing up in the Episcopal church, and Palm Sunday was a big day. Each member, upon entering the church pinned a cross on his person, which was made out of dried palm leaves. There was also much pomp and celebration which enabled the members to in a sort, reenact the day of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Every year, I remember those services with reflection and how they impressed on my heart the importance of Jesus' final week here on earth.

Notice from the gospel of Matthew two things about this day in the life of our Lord. First, His entry. In Matthew 21:5 it says, "Behold, your king is coming to you, gentle, and mounted on a donkey." His very public appearance was filled with symbols of mercy and compassion. He was not coming as some had expected, as a warrior type of Messiah. He was offering hope and grace to those who would receive.

The second thing about this day was His exaltation. The people shouted out phrases such as "Hosanna in the highest," and "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord." Hosanna in Hebrew literally means, "Save us!" They were seeking a physical, political salvation on earth. But Jesus offers much more - spiritual salvation of the soul. While the people did not really know what they were doing, they were a part of the fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9.

It is a good time to fall in love with your Lord again or for the first time. He is still offering mercy, compassion, and grace. He did come to save - and you can cry out to Him, Hosanna! Meditate on Him and His passion on this Palm Sunday.