Introduction

Palm Sunday is often overlooked because it is overshadowed by Resurrection Sunday. However, it holds significant importance for four reasons. Additionally, it is important to consider how we respond when Jesus approaches our lives.

The Significance of Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday is mentioned in all four gospels: Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:7-10, Luke 19:37-40, and John 12:12-19. The name "Palm Sunday" comes from the fact that people cut down palm branches and waved them before Jesus as He rode into Jerusalem. This event was not accidental; Jesus had planned it. In Matthew 16:21-22, Jesus had already informed His disciples about His upcoming suffering, death, and resurrection.

Palm Sunday fulfilled the prophecy of Daniel's 70 weeks (Daniel 9:23b-27). The 70 weeks represent 490 years, with the first 49 years spent rebuilding the Temple and the following 434 years leading up to the arrival of the "anointed one" or Messiah. The death of Christ occurred during the Passover in the year 4746 of the Julian period, precisely 490 years after Ezra received his commission from King Artaxerxes Longimanus of Persia (Ezra 7:9). This leaves one week, or a seven-year period, remaining until the fulfillment of the rest of Daniel 9.

Palm Sunday also signaled a pause in God's timetable for Israel and marked the end of the Jewish system. Jesus had previously urged people to keep quiet about His identity as the Messiah, but on Palm Sunday, He openly declared Himself as such. This declaration confirmed that Judaism as a means of approaching God was fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple further affirmed this truth. Old Testament sacrifices did not truly cleanse people from sin; they merely pointed to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

The crowd that welcomed Jesus on Palm Sunday recognized the event's importance but misunderstood its purpose. They hailed Jesus as the Messiah, expecting Him to free them from Roman occupation. However, they failed to grasp that Jesus came to save them from sin, not political oppression. The same people who praised Him on Palm Sunday would later turn against Him at the instigation of the Pharisees.

Jesus' arrival on a donkey symbolized His peaceful intentions. In the past, encountering God meant death, but Jesus came in peace, not war. This is evident in Zechariah 9:9, which prophesied that the King of Israel would come riding on a donkey. Jesus' choice of a donkey instead of a horse indicated that He sought to make peace with humanity, offering salvation and righteousness. In contrast, His Second Coming, described in Revelation 19:11-16, will be marked by judgment and war.

Our Response to Jesus' Approach

It is crucial to understand why Jesus came, what He accomplished, and what He requires of us. Jesus offers salvation, righteousness, and new life to those who humble themselves before Him. Belonging to Him means having eternal peace with God. While we may disappoint or grieve Him, He will never abandon us. We can rest in the assurance that He is at peace with us for all eternity.

When Jesus approaches our lives, we have three possible reactions: false praise, resistance, or humble acceptance. False praise involves seeking personal gain without truly recognizing Jesus' lordship. Resistance arises when we perceive His lordship as a threat to our way of life. Humble acceptance involves acknowledging our shortcomings and surrendering to Jesus as Lord and King.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Palm Sunday holds significant importance for four reasons: it fulfilled prophecy, marked the end of the Jewish system, revealed Jesus as the Messiah, and symbolized His peaceful intentions. As Jesus approaches our lives, we must choose how to respond. Let us humbly accept His lordship and welcome Him as our Savior and King.

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