And they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it, and he sat on it. And many spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut from the fields. And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Mark 11:7-9 ESV

Palm Sunday is the beginning of Holy Week as we, too, celebrate by singing Hosanna today and  look forward to Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection. We are thankful for our salvation.

Hundreds of people crowd the Jerusalem streets and markets. The temple is overflowing. All are coming into the city to celebrate the Passover. There is talk all around the city of a new prophet named Jesus. “I was in Capernaum when Jesus healed a man who couldn’t walk! He had to be carried in, and then Jesus told him his sins were forgiven and to get up, and he did, he just walked away healed!!” Some voices are raised in argument and disbelief, but others nod and praise God for the works that Jesus has done. They all have a story or an opinion about Jesus.

One woman shares her story with the others standing in the court of the women at the temple. She hasn’t been to the Passover celebration for over 12 years. She tells of her issue and her doctors and her prayers and her hope when she heard that the man, Jesus, was nearby. She ignored everything and ran to Him. “I knew that if I could just touch the hem of his garment, I could be healed. There were so many people, but I finally worked my way close and reached out and touched his cloak. I was healed! Oh, such joy! But when He realized that I had touched Him, He sought me. I fell down at His feet and confessed. Jesus smiled and said my faith had healed me and to go in peace.” The other women told their own stories of Jesus and His miracles as the day grew warm.

Suddenly noise erupts from near the Mt. of Olives as crowds press around and try to see the procession coming down from the crest. Jesus and His disciples are coming to Jerusalem for the Passover. Jesus is riding a young donkey, a colt that is covered with cloaks. His disciples and followers are all around. People are shouting, “Hosanna!” and laying down their cloaks and branches from the date palm trees welcoming Jesus into the city. Praises and blessings and shouts of joy fill the air. The new king is here! We will be saved! (Story reprinted from Palm Sunday, 2019)

Though the people are joyous and happy as Jesus arrives in Jerusalem, that will soon change. The Pharisees and others resent Him and His message, His good news, they call it blasphemy. Soon the crowds will turn on Him and demand that He be crucified. This is why Jesus has come to Jerusalem – to die, to save us all.

This week let us rejoice and praise our Lord Jesus! Let us offer our thanks for His sacrifice.

I thank God for each of you! And I thank you for joining me this week as we celebrate Palm Sunday and Holy Week!