SIGNIFICANCE OF PALM SUNDAY
Today is Palm Sunday, which characterizes the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem amidst shouts of ‘Hosanna in the highest’, which means ‘praise to God for his salvation’. Jesus’ entry signifies four important things-
- Jesus entered Jerusalem to fulfill prophecy:
In the gospel of Matthew 21:4,5; we read- ‘This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: “Say to the Daughter of Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’” An important aspect of Jesus’ life was the fulfillment of prophecy. Though man is not allowed to know the future clearly, he has been given a reliable guidepost through prophecy in the Scripture. It would do man good to take note of the many prophecies like these, written historically long before the time of Christ, and was seen to be true in his life. That in turn would help him to prepare intelligently for the future, when the world as we know it will fold up in accordance with what the Bible prophesies.
- Jesus entered Jerusalem to declare his divinity:
While Jesus guarded his divine identity throughout his life, including the three years of his ministry, it was during Palm Sunday, that he unabashedly declared himself fully as He was- God in all fullness. Crowds praised his divinity and the salvation he brings, “Hosanna to the Son of David (a reference to Jesus as the Messiah)! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Matthew 21:9) Lest man sees Jesus as more than just a good man, miracle worker and a prophet, salvation through Christ will never come home. Palm Sunday takes man to the very heart of salvation.
- Jesus entered Jerusalem to cleanse his people:
Following the procession of Palm Sunday, Jesus heads straight for the Jewish temple, which had become a business hub more than a place of worship and cleanses the temple with authority. He declares, “My house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a den of robbers” (Matthew 21:13). Most churches today and most people who call themselves Christians need such an authoritative cleansing, to once again be devoted to God. To make his people holy is the passion of God that Jesus exhibited here and throughout his life and ministry.
- Jesus entered Jerusalem to die for his people:
As we continue to read the story of Jesus, we see how Jesus shortly thereafter went on to die on the cross. His entry into Jerusalem set in motion the things that led to his death. Knowing what was coming, despite the anguish we see at Gethsemane, Jesus did not shy away from death. And in doing so, he presented us with the greatest gift man can ever have- the free gift of salvation that comes to all who choose to believe in Him and allow Him to lead us onward in our journey toward God and eternity.
