Triumph and Humility: Lessons from Palm Sunday
Introduction:
Today, we gather to commemorate Palm Sunday, a significant event in the Christian calendar marking Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. It's a day of both celebration and reflection, as we witness the contrast between the adoration of the crowds and the humility of our Saviour. Let us delve into the scriptures to uncover the transformative truths found in this pivotal moment.
Point 1: The Triumphal Entry (Luke 19:28-38)
Luke 19:28-38 (NLT) - Jesus went on toward Jerusalem, walking ahead of his disciples. As he came to the towns of Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives, he sent two disciples ahead. “Go into that village over there,” he told them. “As you enter it, you will see a young donkey tied there that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks, ‘Why are you untying that colt?’ just say, ‘The Lord needs it.’” So they went and found the colt, just as Jesus had said. And sure enough, as they were untying it, the owners asked them, “Why are you untying that colt?” And the disciples simply replied, “The Lord needs it.” So they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their garments over it for him to ride on. As he rode along, the crowds spread out their garments on the road ahead of him. When he reached the place where the road started down the Mount of Olives, all of his followers began to shout and sing as they walked along, praising God for all the wonderful miracles they had seen. “Blessings on the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in highest heaven!”
In Luke's account of Palm Sunday, we see Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9.
Zechariah 9:9 (NLT): "Rejoice, O people of Zion! Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your king is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey—riding on a donkey’s colt."
In this verse from the Old Testament prophet Zechariah, we witness a prophetic declaration about the coming Messiah. The people of Zion and Jerusalem are called to rejoice and celebrate, for their King is coming to them. Yet, what makes this prophecy remarkable is the portrayal of the Messiah's character. He is described as righteous and victorious, fulfilling the expectations of a powerful ruler. However, the manner of His arrival is unexpectedly humble – riding not on a majestic horse, but on a lowly donkey's colt. This imagery foreshadows the humility and gentleness of Jesus Christ, who fulfilled this prophecy during His triumphal entry into Jerusalem.
On Palm Sunday, the crowds welcomed Jesus with shouts of praise, laying down their cloaks and palm branches before Him. This scene is one of triumph and exaltation, as Jesus is hailed as the long-awaited Messiah.
Consider Matthew 21:6-9 (NLT), "The disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them. They brought the donkey and the colt to him and threw their garments over the colt, and he sat on it. Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of him, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Jesus was in the centre of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting, 'Praise God for the Son of David! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Praise God in highest heaven!'"
This parallel passage from the Gospel of Matthew also recounts the fulfilment of Zechariah's prophecy as Jesus enters Jerusalem. Just as foretold, Jesus rides on a donkey's colt, symbolising His humility and kingship. The crowd's response is one of jubilation and recognition, as they lay down their cloaks and palm branches, proclaiming Jesus as the promised Son of David and praising God for His arrival. This momentous event marks the beginning of Jesus' final journey to the cross, where He would ultimately fulfil His mission as the Saviour of the world.
The triumphal entry signifies Jesus' kingship and the fulfilment of prophecy. The people's shouts of "Hosanna!" reflect their recognition of Jesus as the promised Messiah, the one who comes in the name of the Lord. It's a moment of jubilation and anticipation as the long-awaited Savior enters Jerusalem.
Point 2: The Humble Servant (Philippians 2:5-8)
Amidst the celebration, we also see Jesus' humility on display. Despite His rightful claim to kingship, Jesus chooses to enter Jerusalem not on a majestic steed but on a humble donkey. This act of humility foreshadows His ultimate sacrifice on the cross, demonstrating His servant-hearted nature.
"You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross." (Philippians 2:5-8, NLT)
In this passage from the letter to the Philippians, the apostle Paul encourages believers to emulate the humility of Christ. Jesus, despite being God Himself, willingly set aside His divine glory and took on the form of a servant. He humbled Himself to the point of death on the cross, demonstrating the depth of His love and obedience to the Father. This selfless act of sacrifice serves as a powerful example for all believers, challenging us to adopt a humble attitude and to serve others with love and humility.
Philippians 2:5-8 reminds us of the humility of Christ, who willingly laid aside His divine glory to become a servant for our sake. His example challenges us to embrace humility in our own lives, serving others with love and selflessness.
Point 3: The Call to Follow (Matthew 21:9-10)
As Jesus enters Jerusalem, the crowds acknowledge Him as their King, shouting, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" However, their understanding of Jesus' kingship is incomplete. They anticipate a political deliverer who will overthrow Roman oppression, rather than a spiritual Saviour who will offer salvation to all who believe.
"The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, 'Hosanna to the Son of David!' 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!' 'Hosanna in the highest heaven!' When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, 'Who is this?'" (Matthew 21:9-10, NLT)
As Jesus enters Jerusalem, the crowds greet Him with shouts of praise and adoration. They recognise Him as the long-awaited Messiah, the Son of David, and they welcome Him with expressions of reverence and worship. However, amidst the celebration, there is also curiosity and questioning among the people. They are stirred by Jesus' arrival and inquire about His identity, sparking a deeper exploration into the significance of His ministry and mission.
The crowds' response to Jesus prompts us to consider our own understanding of His kingship. Are we seeking a political or earthly deliverer, or do we recognise Jesus as the spiritual Saviour who offers forgiveness and eternal life? Palm Sunday invites us to align our hearts with God's purposes and to follow Jesus as our Lord and King.
Application:
As we reflect on Palm Sunday, let us embrace both the triumph and humility of Jesus. Like the crowds, may we celebrate His kingship, recognising Him as the Messiah who brings salvation. Yet, let us also emulate His humility, serving others with love and selflessness. Finally, let us heed the call to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, surrendering our lives to His lordship.
Call to Action:
Today, let us recommit ourselves to following Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Let us humble ourselves before Him, acknowledging His kingship and surrendering our lives to His will. As we journey through Holy Week, may we walk in the footsteps of Jesus, embodying His love and proclaiming His gospel to the world.
Conclusion:
These passages collectively depict the fulfilment of prophecy and the humility of Jesus Christ as He enters Jerusalem. They invite us to reflect on the character of our Saviour and to consider the implications of His kingship and sacrificial love for our lives today. May we emulate the humility of Christ and join with the crowds in proclaiming Him as our King and Redeemer.
As we conclude, let us remember the significance of Palm Sunday. It is a day of celebration and introspection, as we rejoice in Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem while contemplating His humility and sacrificial love.
May we carry these truths in our hearts throughout Holy Week and beyond, as we continue to be transformed by the truth of God's Word.
