photo credit: Lee Carson
“Hosanna to the Son of David!
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
Hosanna in the highest!”
- Matthew 21:9b
When I read in my Bible about the life of Jesus, I like to read the different perspectives that are given separately by Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Although each tells the same story, each gives a slightly different perspective, based on what each saw as they witnessed the events of Jesus’ life.
When reading about Jesus’ triumphal entry in Matthew, Mark, and Luke, we can see how the prophesy was fulfilled and how the animal that he rode upon was found. This is amazing in how it happened (Matthew 21, Mark 11, and Luke 19). However, it becomes even more amazing of a story when you read the book of John, Chapter 12. It tells the same story of what happened as they approached Jerusalem as they came to Bethpage on the Mount of Olives. Then, it goes on to tell you how Jesus was feeling as well!
Jesus knew what was going to happen. He knew that he was to be sacrificed on our behalf. He KNEW the pain and sufferring he would endure so that we could be forgiven. He knew and his heart was heavy. He was afraid of what he had to do, but knew that he had to do it. He was scared, but he did not cry out to God for deliverance. He bravely approached what was going to happen!
As it says in John 12:24 (paraphrased): As a kernel of wheat dies, it produces many seeds. Jesus knew he was going to die, but he also knew that in return so many of us would one day be able to be reunited in heaven. He knew how hard what he had to do was going to be, but he did it anyway! Out of his love for us.
As a child, each Palm Sunday I remember being given a palm to bring home. One single palm. I woud hang it in my room each Palm Sunday and keep it as a reminder. When I was younger, I did not know the full meaning, but I do now. Think of the palms on which Jesus rode across as he tred across the ground on the donkey. We think of them as a reminder. Maybe Jesus thought of them as well as he rode over them. A king riding humbly into town on a very humble beast. A KING dying for those that he loved. Think of the palms as you think about the fear and the heavy heart that Jesus, our king, had as he tred down the road on a very humble beast. He knew what needed to be done, so that the kingdom of God could be glorified. He knew what needed to be done and he did it out of love!
Remember Jesus this Palm Sunday! If you recieved a palm today, save it, and put it in a place that you will see every day. Help it to remind you of the gift that Jesus chose to give you, knowing how difficult it was going to be.
“Hosanna!
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!
Hosanna in the highest!
- Mark 11:9b
About the author: Alicia H. Tucker is a homeschool mom of three, after having taught in public schools for over ten years. She has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in Education with a focus on Curriculum and Technology. She is a freelance writer and is currently working on writing her first book.
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