Hosanna! Reflections for Palm Sunday

From Mark 11:1-11: Jesus’ Triumphant Entry

Jesus entered Jerusalem with much fanfare and then he went back to Bethany (where he started in verse 1).  In the world’s eyes, he made no progress but spiritually he fulfilled the scriptures of Zechariah 9:9 and 14:4

“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion!Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem!
Behold, your King is coming to you;
He is just and having salvation,
Lowly and riding on a donkey,
A colt, the foal of a donkey.” – Zechariah 9:9

“And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives,
Which faces Jerusalem on the east.
And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two,
From east to west,
Making a very large valley;
Half of the mountain shall move toward the north
And half of it toward the south.” – Zechariah 14:4

Reflection: Many times in our lives, we may feel that we are not going anywhere, as the world would define progress.  Take heart, God may be using these times to grow you in an eternal way!

During Jesus’ triumphant entry, branches were used to create a red carpet for Him.  The next day, as he traveled the same path, an unproductive fig tree was cursed.

Reflection: If we bear fruit, God will make us part of His glorious plan but if we are not, we will be cursed.  Can your neighbors, family and friends see your fruit?

As Jesus entered Jerusalem the crowd shouted ‘Hosanna!’  Possible a different crowd shouted ‘Crucify Him!’ only days later.  It was God that prompted the shouting on Jesus’ entry.  As Jesus said, if they were quiet, even the rocks would cry out. (Luke 19:40)  But it was the pharisees who prompted the crowd to shout crucify Him!

Reflection:  Each day we have a choice to listen to the messages of the world (money, sex, power, etc.) or of God.  Who are you following?!