Tag Archives: Palm Sunday

Tough Week

Man having a Tough Week - Image by Freepix.

Bible Passages

Read Psalms 69:29-36.

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 6:23 (NASB1995)

Devotion

According to tradition and many scholars, here’s Jesus’ week in a nutshell.

Holy Monday is the day on which Jesus cleansed the temple, entertained local children, and cursed a fig tree (Matthew 21:12–22).

On Tuesday, he traveled to Bethany (around 6 miles or 10 kilometers) and gave a sermon (The Olivet Discourse) about the destruction of Jerusalem and the end of the age. It is also believed by many to be the day Judas betrayed him to the Sanhedrin.

On Wednesday, there’s no mention of his activities, so it is believed he rested. Up to this time, he’d had a rough few weeks. He probably really needed to rest after the last exhausting 40+ days. He also knew his agenda for the rest of the week, and that the next few days would be the hardest days he would ever face. I agree with the scholars who think he rested on Wednesday.

On Thursday (Maundy Thursday), he washed the feet of the disciples before supper, then spent the evening with them, hanging out and celebrating the Passover. Late in the evening, he took some disciples to an olive plantation. There, Judas gave him the infamous kiss of death (the likely origin of that term, by the way). The Sanhedrin arrested him and took him to the house of High Priest Caiaphas.

On Friday (Good Friday), no time was wasted. He was put on trial, convicted, sentenced to death, scourged, crucified, and buried, and the tomb was sealed shut. This all happened in a single day.

On Saturday, he got busy with the task of conquering hell and death.

On Sunday (Easter or Resurrection Sunday), he got back up (from being dead) and visited with his followers over the next few days.

Whew! What a tough week!

Why did he do all that? He is God. He could have dodged the whole ball of wax if he wanted. Scripture tells us why. He loves us. He wanted us to know, by His example, how to live life. He is also our stand-in on Judgment Day. Now, when we face judgment, God will let us into heaven because of the sacrifice Jesus made for us out of love. All we have to do is accept Him as our Lord and Savior.

Aren’t you glad you belong to Him?!

Prayer Focus

Believers

Prayer

Blessed Savior, thank you for loving us enough to live among us on Earth, showing us how you want us to live, and dying for us, taking our sins upon yourself. Amen.

Final Thought

Jesus really loves me!

Palm Sunday

Bible Passages

Read Zechariah 9:1-17.

12 On the next day the large crowd that had come to the Passover festival heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. 13 So they took palm branches and went to meet him. They were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord, the king of Israel!”

John 12:12-13 (GW)

Devotion

Holy Week is an emotional roller coaster. Most of Christians know the story well. Jesus was very busy! On Palm Sunday, we celebrate the anniversary of the Messiah’s donkey ride into Jerusalem, when excited people ran out to see the glorious arrival of their Savior. They did not see the warrior prince they were expecting, however, and in the next few days changed their minds about him. They chose to send Him to His death by crucifixion. He overcame death, rose up from the tomb, hung around for a few days, then ascended into heaven, then sent the Holy Spirit to his followers. During Holy Week, we remember and celebrate each step of the process. Today, we celebrate Palm Sunday.

One of my favorite memories of Palm Sunday is making the lapel crosses the youth group made to pass out to members of the congregation as they arrived at the church on Palm Sunday. I think they are very cleverly constructed. I’ve always had an appreciation of clever. They are very simple and easy to make. They are made from two palmetto leaves, and take very little time to assemble. Everyone seemed to enjoy wearing them.

I tried to get my dad to make one on camera and post it online. Unfortunately, he could not remember how, nor could I. Others did remember how, though, and did manage to post some very good step-by-step videos on YouTube. Some are much fancier than the ones we made. Some were very different. It was interesting to see all the different ways to make a cross from a couple of leaves. Below are three such videos. Enjoy!

As we celebrate Christ’s arrival in Jerusalem, let us join in the fun, noise, and excitement that filled the streets on that glorious day. Let’s wave our palm fronds high and shout “Hallelujah, the Messiah has arrived!”

Prayer Focus

People welcoming Jesus into their hearts.

Prayer

My beloved Jesus, who gave Your life to save mine, I thank You. I am a sinner. You are my Savior. I am not worthy of Your love, but You give it to me anyway. I am Yours. Amen.

Final Thought

Hallelujah! The Messiah has arrived!

Video Lagniappe