Good morning, everyone. Today, I welcome you to Palm Sunday as we embark on the Holy Week. As we gather, I want to share some words from Luke’s Gospel, chapter 23, verse nine: “Herod questioned Jesus at length, but Jesus gave no answer.” This Palm Sunday marks a significant moment in Jesus’s journey, his final entry into Jerusalem, which was greeted with fanfare and anticipation.
The Contrasting Crowds
Many who followed Jesus believed this would be the moment he overthrew the Roman authorities to liberate God’s people. Others hoped for a miraculous sign proving his Messiahship. But what began with triumphant cries of “Hosanna” quickly turned into shouts of “Crucify him.” Jesus faced a sham trial, His innocence acknowledged by Pilate and Herod, yet succumbed to the crowd’s will. Even then, Jesus took the place of the guilty, exemplifying his sacrifice.
Zooming Out: Understanding the Bigger Picture
Let us take a moment to step back and comprehend the larger narrative at play. In doing so, we gain clarity on what it means to journey with Jesus in his suffering. The incarnation—God taking human form—was for our reconciliation. Jesus, in humble obedience, embraced suffering and death. Paul’s letter to the Philippians beautifully encapsulates this: Jesus was obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
The Courage to Endure
We often say, “I’ll do it, even if it kills me,” expressing determination. Yet, rarely do we expect true peril. For Jesus, this was literal. His determination demonstrates true courage—doing what’s right, even at a great cost. Through this, we learn that God’s boundless love pursued our salvation despite suffering.
Silent Witness: Endurance and Persecution
Jesus’s silence in the face of false accusations stands as a profound witness. He did not retaliate but let his life testify to God’s truth. This silence invites us to a deeper faith; it’s not about refraining from words but about trusting God’s justice and embracing his will, even amidst suffering.
The Call to Obedience
This obedience isn’t learned in moments of trial but cultivated throughout our Christian walk. Through Jesus’s teachings, such as in the Sermon on the Mount, we understand the blessing in persevering through persecution. Jesus’s journey from Palm Sunday to Easter reflects meekness, not weakness—a deference to God’s will.
Reflecting on Our Journey
As we reflect, I encourage each of us to examine how our lives mirror the obedience of Jesus. In daily choices, are we willing to take up the cross of obedience, even if it means personal sacrifice? Navigating this world, remaining true to Christ’s teachings is challenging, yet essential.
An Encouragement for Believers
I conclude with encouragement from the letter to the Hebrews, reminding us to consider the endurance of Jesus. In our struggles against sin, the discipline of the Lord teaches us. As children of God, carrying the palm crosses we receive today symbolizes our allegiance and journey with Jesus. Let us mindfully carry this symbol from now until the next season of Lent.