Holy Week: Palm Sunday

“The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them. Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!" Matthew 21:6-9 

The praise “Hosanna” was originally a plea to be saved. Jews yearned to be saved from Roman occupation. Yet Jesus did not mount a horse into battle. He rode a lowly donkey (Zech 9:9-10). This was not an image of royalty at war, but rather royalty at peace. We yearn for rescue from our own struggles. The Prince of Peace offers not just assurance that in God’s time our pain will be removed (Rev 21:4) but also peace while that pain persists (Phil 4:6-7). His death and resurrection guarantee it (2 Cor 4:9-10,17).

Author: Peter Franck, Deacon