Palm Sunday is the commemoration of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem as king and promised Messiah. A key point in this part of the narrative is the timing. We find ourselves in the approaching the Passover Feast, which is a remembrance of the miraculous exodus from Egypt where the Israelites were ‘passed over’ by the angel of death – the final straw breaking the heart of Pharaoh and triggering the release.
Jewish pilgrims would make the trek to Jerusalem from all over the countryside and surrounding nations to make sacrifices at the temple during this festival time. Normally, there would be about 80,000 people in the city, but considering the major festival weekend there were up to 250,000. This is key to know because much of Jesus’ ministry was in the rural sectors to the north in Galilee (kind of the boondocks of Israel). He had gained many followers by this time who were captivated and amazed at the power behind His teaching along with the miracles which pointed to Him as abnormal. The followers say He was performing miracles, but the opposition would call them sorcery. Think about that one for a minute. This is the setting for the entry.
Point of Interest: The Chant. As Jesus enters the Holy City, he is met by many followers shouting, “Hosanna (Hebrew for ‘Please Save/Deliver!’) to the Son of David!” Interestingly enough they are referring to the great king who firmly established Israel’s place in the world. Militant and just, David worshiped and strived to remain faithful to God alone. To chant this would be connecting Jesus to David as one who would bring it all back – oust the Romans, purify the nation, restore the honor of Israel. This is the hope anyway.
Point of Interest: The Donkey. Jesus has an unusual means of transportation upon His entry. In that time, one who conquers a city in war would ride through the nation’s capital mounted on a horse. Alexander did this on several occasions. It was a flexing of the muscles so to speak. If it were a peaceful transition of power, another option would be riding a donkey/mule to communicate minimal tension in the process. Amid the royal battles for the throne in the Old Testament, David instructed his son Solomon to ride into Jerusalem on a donkey to mark him as the successor to the throne who would reconcile the nation. In a sense, Jesus is communicating this same thing… He is coming to bring reconciliation and peace, not military overthrow.
Prophecy Fulfilled: Zechariah 9:9. Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
Questions to Think About:
- How do you shout Hosanna (Please Save!) in your life today?
- Is what you want to be saved/delivered from in line with what God is saving/delivering you from?
- What expectations do you have about God and the way He is working out reconciliation in the world?
- Is He up to something different than what we think He should be?
