Palm Sunday

Jesus' Day

On Palm Sunday—six days before Jesus' death—people lined the streets, waving palms as he entered Jerusalem. It was the first-century equivalent of our ticker-tape parades for heroes down the streets of New York City.Jesus' popularity was at an all-time high; his teaching had astonishing power. Jesus had changed people's hearts and healed them physically. He'd even recently brought someone back from the dead! By far, Jesus was one of the most popular people in the entire Middle East." - Bill Hybels

Holy Scriptures
Zechariah 9:9-1o
Mark 11:1-11
Matthew 21:1-11
Luke 19:29-44
John 12:12-19
Matthew 16:13-20

Thought
People had all kinds of ideas about the identity of Jesus. Some thought he was Elijah or Jeremiah, still others thought of him as a political figure or a person with mysterious powers. On the day of his triumphal entry, a large crowd covered the ground with garments, grass and branches. Some participated and knew why and some participated and didn't know why. We can imagine that some were trying to place a face with the stories they had heard while some stood back and watched the Christ.Still today people have different ideas about who Jesus was and is. Some think he is distant or demanding while others think he is stiff or dry. Drawing close to Jesus means coming close enough to compare our own ideas of him with God's holy truth. It means that we may have to admit that we don't know him as well as we'd like. If we get close enough, our own limited ideas and notions based on our view will be blown away by the absolute truth of God's amazing plan and unbelievable saving grace. Jesus will always be more wonderful, more capable and more gracious than we can allow ourselves to believe.

Reflection
Jesus asked his disciples, "Who do you say I am?". What would you like to know about Jesus? How has your image of Jesus changed over the course of your life as a believer? Who do you say Jesus is and what would your life look like if you constantly lived your answer to that question?

Prayer
Ask God to open your eyes to see who Jesus truly is through his word. Ask him to help you to live your answer to "Who do you think I am?" with your whole life.