Journeying Towards the Light

Reflections on Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday is not merely a date on the liturgical calendar; it is a profound moment that resonates deeply within the hearts of believers worldwide. It commemorates Jesus Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem, an event laden with symbolism, prophecy, and profound implications for humanity. As we reflect on this pivotal moment in Christian history, we are invited to embark on a spiritual journey towards understanding the significance of Palm Sunday and its enduring relevance in our lives today.

The biblical narrative of Palm Sunday unfolds with Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, greeted by throngs of people waving palm branches and shouting "Hosanna!" (John’s 12:12-13). This imagery evokes a sense of triumph and celebration, as Jesus is hailed as the long-awaited Messiah, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9. Yet, beneath the surface of this jubilant scene lies a deeper truth—one of humility, sacrifice, and divine purpose.

Jesus's choice of transportation, a donkey, carries profound symbolism. It represents humility and peace, in contrast to the image of a conquering king riding on a horse. By entering Jerusalem in this manner, Jesus conveys a powerful message about the nature of his Kingdom—a Kingdom built on love, righteousness, and redemption. His actions speak volumes about his character as a compassionate and merciful Savior, rather than a worldly monarch seeking power and dominion.

As we immerse ourselves in the narrative of Palm Sunday, we are confronted with the paradox of Jesus's mission. While hailed as a king by the crowds, Jesus is acutely aware of the path that lies ahead—the path of suffering, rejection, and ultimately, crucifixion (Mark 10:33-34). His journey to the cross is a testament to his unwavering commitment to fulfilling the will of God and offering salvation to humanity (Psalm 118:25-26).

In the midst of the festive atmosphere of Palm Sunday, we encounter the profound tension between triumph and sacrifice, between earthly acclaim and divine destiny. Jesus's willingness to embrace the cross, despite knowing the pain and anguish it entails, underscores the depth of his love for humanity. It is a love that transcends human understanding, a love that willingly lays down its life for the sake of others (Philippians 2:5-8).

As we meditate on the significance of Palm Sunday, we are invited to examine our own hearts and lives in light of Jesus's example. Are we willing to surrender our pride, our ambitions, and our desires for power, in order to follow the path of humility and servanthood laid out by Christ? Are we prepared to take up our cross and follow him, even when the journey is difficult and fraught with challenges?

Palm Sunday serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of Christ's love and the promise of redemption that he offers to all who believe. It is a call to embrace the light of Christ, to walk in his footsteps, and to allow his love to illuminate our lives and guide our paths. As we journey towards the light of Easter morning, may we find hope, strength, and renewal in the enduring message of Palm Sunday—the message of a Savior who humbly rides into our hearts, offering us the gift of eternal life.

Hosanna in the highest!

Soli Deo Gloria

Hosanna!!

Triumph of Christ

And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest. Matthew 21:9

Reading  Matthew 21:1-10 Luke 19:28-40

Jesus sent his disciples to bring a donkey with her colt and untie them and bring them to him. Was Jesus tired and wanted to ride a donkey? No, he wanted to show to the people the nature of his Kingdom. It was showing to the people that he had finally declared himself to be a king. He was the fulfillment of the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9. Parading into Jerusalem on a donkey displayed his meekness; he was not declaring himself the King of the world, but of a much larger and greater kingdom. It portrayed him as the King of peace as opposed to a king of war riding on a horse. Much of Jesus life was lived as fulfillment of various prophesies that were foretold over the past centuries.

Triumphal entry into Jerusalem, fresco in the Parish Church Zirl, Austria

Cutting down branches from the palm trees and waving it was symbolic of triumph and victory. The people came out in hoards to welcome Jesus into Jerusalem. It was an eclectic crowd of people. It was the time of the Passover and many had travelled from different parts of the world to be there for the Passover. The crowds started following suite with the disciples in shouting Hosanna! It was a Hebrew word meaning Save now we beseech thee! or Save I pray!.

The word “Hosanna” was emblematic for a cry for help from the people to the Messiah quoted in Psalm 118:25. It was a cry from the people to save them from Roman rule and oppression. It was their way of accepting Jesus as their King who would restore the throne of David and his descendants back to their rightful place in Jerusalem. It was a prayer empowered by the Holy Spirit with reverence to say blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.

When Jesus entered the city it was in broad daylight. The entire city was in in a state of chaos and pandemonium. Some were asking each other, who is this king? Why is he riding on a donkey? The Scribes and Pharisees were appalled with what was happening. They scolded and criticized Jesus. They told him to stop the people from calling him a king. Jesus response was if they should keep quiet the stones would immediately cry out for salvation (Luke 19:39-40). Wonder why they did not attack Jesus with their temple soldiers then? Were they afraid of how the multitudes of enthusiastic followers would react?

The Jews were desperately looking for a Messiah who would free them from the Roman aggression. They were looking forward to the day when they could be an independent nation free of any foreign rulers. They were looking forward to a powerful and glorious earthly king who would be the chosen one of God, anointed to establish a sovereign Jewish Kingdom.

When the wise men from the east came to Herod’s palace looking to worship the king of Jews, were they disappointed to see that Jesus was not born in the palace? Herod was greatly troubled and tried his best to kill baby Jesus, by killing all the babies in Bethlehem. Jesus through out his ministry showed that he was not interested in being a king on earth. After the feeding of the five thousand (John 6:15), the people wanted to force him to be king. After casting out the demons (Mark 1:24) he forbade even the demons from professing that he was the Son of God. After the mount of transfiguration he forbade his three disciples from talking of the experience to anyone.

When we look up at the stars in the sky, our eyes cannot tell us which of the stars are closer to us, and which that are farther away. So it is with the prophecies concerning Jesus. Some were fulfilled in his first coming and the others will be in his second coming. The first was purely a proclamation and invitation for all to hear and be invited to be part of his kingdom. The second coming will be in power and majesty and he will establish his sovereign rule on earth (Matthew 24:30). 

Light of the World

On Palm Sunday we celebrate the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem as King (John 12:12-19). The people hailed him as King and greeted him by waving palm branches. They had just witnessed the miraculous raising from the dead of Lazarus and were convinced that the scriptures had been fulfilled (John 11:38-43). This mighty miracle had persuaded them that Jesus had the power to redeem them from the oppression of the Roman rule. The Pharisees were flabbergasted and angrily mumbled that the whole world had gone after Jesus.

Some Greeks came to see Jesus following his ride into Jerusalem at the home of Philip (John 12:20-36). Their request was, "Sir, we would like to see Jesus." How many of us have this deep desire in our hearts? What do you see in your heart and mind when you try to imagine what Jesus looks like? Do you see Him as a light to those walking in darkness?

Jesus spoke to them by saying that unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies it will be alone. But its death will produce many kernels of wheat (John 12:24-25). This parable beautifully illustrates Christ power over death. He showed us that he had to die for us all so that we maybe raised to life in Him. Jesus went on to say that, "If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honor."

When Jesus prayed that God the Fathers name may be glorified, a voice thundered from heaven to the amazement of all saying, "I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again" (John 12:28). Jesus went on to prophesy about his death saying, "If I be lifted up from the earth, I will draw all men to me." Did they really understand that Christ was speaking of his death on the cross and his resurrection? Did they understand that Christ was prophesying about being the Savior of all the world?

They were confused and asked who Jesus was talking about because they believed that the Messiah would live forever and could not understand why Jesus was prophesying death. To which Jesus said, "You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going. Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light." Are you walking in the light or in the darkness. Do you know where you are going? Jesus is calling you to serve Him and draw close to the Light of the World.