Palm Sunday and the Arrival of Jesus

This Sunday is commonly called “Palm Sunday.”  Christians refer to this Sunday as “Palm Sunday” in reference to the scene surrounding Jesus' arrival in Jerusalem.  Before Jesus was arrested, crucified or resurrected, Jesus entered Jerusalem on the back of a colt.  His followers placed palm branches on the road in front of him (Matthew 21:8, Mark 11:8, John 12:13), singing praise: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord,” (Luke 19:38).   That palm-paved march marked the beginning our Lord’s saving work on the cross and through the resurrection.  We remember and celebrate that this Sunday.

Many think of this Sunday, “Palm Sunday,” as a nice remembrance or tradition.  But, for Christians, Palm Sunday is more than tradition.  Because we believe Jesus is alive and present in the Holy Spirit, we have an opportunity to invite Jesus to enter our lives this Palm Sunday afresh and anew.  Just as Jesus marched down the Mount of Olives into the heart of Jewish life (Jerusalem), Jesus can march into the heart of our lives today.  We can join his disciples from long ago, praising God: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord.”

As you worship Jesus this Sunday, open your heart to His Easter march.  Jesus is offering relationship with God and salvation to all who believe in Him.  That means He is marching into our lives in the here and now.  Open your heart to Him.  As you do, you will experience the very reason for Palm Sunday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday.  You will also be blessed by “the King who comes in the name of the Lord.”