Day 1: PALM SUNDAY

Scripture

MARK 11:1-11

As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here.If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.’ ”

They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, 5some people standing there asked, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go. When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted,

“Hosanna!”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

“Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!”

“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple courts. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.

Devotion

As Jesus rode into Jerusalem he was recognized as the savior Israel had been anticipating. As he was recognized, the crowd shouted a multitude of praises to him.

“Hosanna!”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Mark 11:10)

The Israelites cheered as they got to see the Messiah they had been awaiting for almost four hundred years.  This was one of the first times on earth Jesus was glorified and worshiped as the Savior he was. Hundreds of people most likely saw Jesus that day and gave him praise.

Yet mere four days after this beautiful moment took place those same people who praised him would shout “Crucify, Crucify!”.

When Jesus arrived as King the people knew what they wanted from him. The Israelites wanted a king, a redeemer from the government that controlled them for almost 70 years. The Israelites wanted to be saved from the government which oppressed them.

Jesus came knowing exactly what they wanted. Even more, he came knowing exaclty what they needed. They needed a greater emancipation; not from Rome but from sin and death.

Yet the people scoffed at what Jesus had to offer and rejected him swiftly.

Though it is disheartening to consider this, it is easy for us to do this in our lives as well. When a child is born or someone healed of sickness it is easy for us to shout at the top of our lungs:

“Hallelujah”, “God is so good!”

But when someone isn't healed or we lose our job will we still shout praises to Jesus?

We must understand, Jesus is someone who gives us what we need. Though we may want many things, the truest thing we need is the perfect and sufficient sacrifice Jesus made on the cross on our behalf.

And we know that for those who love God “all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

So this Palm Sunday reflect on Jesus who has given us exactly what we need most desperately.

Questions for reflection

• During all seasons of life, good or bad, will I be able to praise God ?

• Am I able to trust that God has given me what I truly need, even when so many of my desires are unfulfilled?

Prayer

Thank you Jesus for coming to save us. Thank you Lord that your wisdom is not dictated by the limits of my thoughts and desires. Help me to trust that you are working all things for good, especially in times when disappointment feels most acute.

written by Faith Hinrichs

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Family Devotional

Palm Sunday: Mark 11:1-11

• As you read the story ask your children to draw their favorite mode of transportation. After finishing reading the story ask your children to share what they drew and why they picked that.

• In the story, what did Jesus choose to ride on? Why do you think that Jesus chose a small animal to ride on instead of a great horse like others did? Share with your kids that Jesus was coming in to show that he was coming in victorious but not through might but he was going to be victorious by being humble and choosing to die.

• Take time to worship together to a song. If you have time you can draw palm branches or find similar branches from outside to use while worshipping.