Scripture

The entire city of Jerusalem was in an uproar as he entered. “Who is this?” they asked. And the crowds replied “It is Jesus the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”

Observation

As Jesus and the disciples draw near to Jerusalem, Jesus sends two of them ahead to find a donkey with a colt. This fulfils the prophecy of Zechariah that the king comes riding humbly on a donkey.

So the two disciples bring the donkey and the colt, and Jesus rides on the colt. The crowds spread their garments and palm branches on the road ahead of Jesus. They shout “Hosanna to the King!”

The city of Jerusalem is in uproar at Jesus’s entry. They ask, “Who is this?” to which the crowds reply, “It is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth.”

Application

The city of Jerusalem, representing the political and religious elites in Israel, does not have a clue about who Jesus is. They see him riding a donkey into the city. They know of his reputation, but fail to join the dots.

The crowds, the ordinary people, the ones who love the Lord, but are without any claim to influence, they know who Jesus is and what He represents.

Today, there is a similar situation in many countries. The rulers and authorities seem to be in ignorance of the Gospel and the way Christianity has shaped Western culture for more than a thousand years. Yet, many ordinary people are hungry for a Saviour. They know they need Good News in this time.

Christians need to find ways to replicate Palm Sunday, to take the gospel to the streets and proclaim the kingship of Jesus.

Prayer

Hosanna! Blessed is the Lord Jesus! All glory to you my Lord and Saviour. Amen.