How To Make History: The Story of Palm Sunday

They found a young donkey, just big enough to carry one man. With no money to purchase a saddle for their Guest of honor, they placed their own coats on the donkey's back. The streets of Jerusalem were dusty, so the crowd placed their garments on the ground to make a suitable path for the procession to come. They waved palm branches, an ancient symbol of victory, to show their loyalty to the King who would soon enter their capitol and restore their kingdom...though this victory would take a very different shape than they imagined. 

They couldn't have had less to offer, but no one could have offered more devotion than these disciples.

Jesus rode through the streets of Jerusalem to the tune of the Israelites crying "Hosanna! Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord!" Then His disciples came to the realization that they - these poor men who just months before were fishermen, lawyers, and sinners - had just made history!

These things understood not His disciples at the first, but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of Him (the prophesy that Jesus would come to the Jews in a humble way, riding on a donkey), and that they had done these things unto Him.     - John 12.16

At the time, His disciples were just doing what they were told. But after the fact, they realized they had actually helped fulfill the Jewish prophecy that their nation had been awaiting for hundreds of years! All because they were willing to give their time... and their coats.

This is a significant point since these were not guys who had a coat to spare. Jesus told them to "Take nothing for your journey... neither have two coats apiece." (Luke 9.3)

So, what if they had not been willing to give up their coat??
They would not have had the honor of being part of God's perfect plan.

We also have the opportunity to contribute to the fulfillment of the next prophesy.  Jesus is returning for His church, just like he returned to Jerusalem to save His chosen people.

... and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.     - Luke 21.27

We also have the opportunity to spread our coats on the ground, preparing the way for Jesus to enter in. We can do this by sharing with others the truth of who Jesus is. Showing them what He has done for you.
Just like the Israelites who were looking for a powerful political figure to save them from oppression, our friends may be looking in all the wrong places for the peace that passes all understanding. They may be working their way to heaven instead of simply giving their life to Jesus. We can wave our palm branches by telling others of the victory we have found in Jesus, the gift of eternal life.

As His disciples, it's our honor and privilege to pave the way for Jesus Christ.

Proverbs 31.25 says, "Strength and honor are her clothing, and she shall rejoice in time to come." 

Let's be willing to give of our time and even our material possessions. Let's be known for the strength our Lord gives us and the honor we bestow on Him. Because we have a reason to rejoice in time to come!

Happy Palm Sunday everyone! Let's make history!

My palm branch cross given to me by a homeless man in exchange for  a bag of grace.

My challenge for you this week is to read the accounts of Jesus' entrance and ministry in Jerusalem  in the gospels: Matthew 21-26, Mark 11-13, Luke 19-21, John 12.

Watch for blog posts on Good Friday and Easter Sunday!

Love,
Deems