The Truth of Palm Sunday

Yesterday we observed the week before Resurrection Sunday traditionally called Palm Sunday. What I would find interesting and tell tale is what message your pastor brought you concerning this monumental week in the life of Christ. It has been traditionally called Jesus’ Triumphal Entry in to Jerusalem but if you just read the few chapters before and after this historical day it’s pretty clear it was really anything but a triumphal entry.

Let me explain: Jesus is coming off the peak of his popularity having just fed the multitudes miraculously, working various miracles climaxed with Lazarus being brought back from the dead. In other words, Jesus was performing as Savior, the way the masses envisioned. Here in living color was the answer to all their worldly woes, troubles, health issues and heartbreaks. Shoot; who wouldn’t follow someone like that? He was better than a magic genie who would say, “Your wish is my command.”

But read the account again! Luke 19:41ff
“And when He approached, He saw the city and wept over it, saying, "If you had known in this day, even you, the things which make for peace! But… you did not recognize the time of your visitation."

Jesus crests the hill, lays his eyes on the City of Peace and weeps. Where’s the triumph in this triumphal entry? Jesus wept because he knew the only reason the vast majority of people were hailing him as king was not because of who He was but because of what He could do for them! And when it would become apparent that He didn’t come to solve all their life dilemmas and disappointments, they would not only reject him en masse but they would cry for his head.

And so Christian I ask you; why are you a Christian? Have you given your life to the sovereign Lord who demands undivided allegiance and obedience or do you merely do obeisance to a lucky rabbit’s foot Savior throwing him bone now and again to keep him on your good side?

Think about it this holy week and be ready for Resurrection Sunday!