Scripture describes a day when a “very great multitude spread their clothes on the road” while “others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road”. This is recorded in Mathew 21 and Mark 11 describing the events on Palm Sunday when Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey.  His entry into Jerusalem at the beginning of the Passion Week on a donkey also fulfilled the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9:
“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”.

Palm Sunday gives us the opportunity to reflect on the expectations and emotions of the great multitude of people that welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem.  They had heard of the miracles He performed and among them were also believers who waited on the opportunity to meet the promised Messiah.  They cried out “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” (cf. Matthew 21: 9) Unfortunately for many, this cry changed to “Let Him be crucified” (cf. Matthew 27: 22) only a few days later. 

Jesus, on the other hand, entered Jerusalem in humility. He knew what awaited Him in Jerusalem, yet He entered willing to make the ultimate sacrifice and fulfill the will of God.  We get a glimpse into the feelings that moved through Him as the days passed including His prayer in Gethsemane (Mark 14: 32-36)

The natural expectations of the great multitude were not met, possibly leading to disappointment in Jesus.  He, however, remained focused on His purpose to liberate mankind from the yoke of sin and give us all access to grace and eternal life with God. 

As we reflect on Palm Sunday, let us also reflect on our expectations of Jesus Christ.  Do we only expect Him to help us with our natural circumstances and liberate us from our concerns, or do we focus on embracing Him in love and the eternal outcome of remaining faithful to Him? 

Let us:

• Pave the way for Jesus Christ to enter our hearts and lives with eternal expectations
• Embrace Him in sincerity and love
• Align our expectations and our lives with His teaching
• Remain faithful to Him in all circumstances of life

I wish you God’s richest blessing this Palm Sunday and Easter.