12 Apr Reflections on Palm Sunday
by Roxanne Goodchild
With Palm Sunday approaching, I’ve been reflecting on what this moment must’ve been like for Jesus. He knew the events and feelings that would transpire… the pain, betrayal, bitter grief… and he walked toward it.
From a human perspective, it can be seen as the perfect mix of courage and vulnerability; after all, we can’t separate the two. How would I have ridden down that road, knowing the events that were going to take place? Probably with disbelief at the fickle people celebrating, anguish, and self-pity for what was about to go down, and most definitely not willingly.
Except we know this road was not taken in sheer human willpower for us to emulate. In a marvelous and mysterious way, this was Jesus’ divinity on full display, and the perfect example of laying down our wills: what we want and so stubbornly cling to. He rode into town with an abundance of humility, grace, steadfast resolve, and pity for the people singing Hosanna.
Was he feeling apprehension; was there fear yet? (And how do we think about the God of the universe experiencing these feelings?)
What motivated Jesus to ride into Jerusalem knowing what was to come?
Love. Love for those who would be chanting for his crucifixion in a few days.
This act of riding toward tragedy is a perfect picture of a love that doesn’t turn away; a love that shows up.
The book of Hebrews gives us further insight into what Jesus’ mindset and motivation would have been: “… For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).
The event that kick-starts Holy week is a celebration, yes, but for a very different reason the palm-waving people, cheering children and celebratory crowd could fathom.
The next time God is riding into His Kingdom, it will be a very different picture: one of glory, victory and everlasting power. What beautiful contrasting images. Praise the Lord that both are true and, in Him and what was accomplished in the events following Palm Sunday, we’re able to endure unspeakable hardship and experience profound and everlasting joy.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His love endures forever. – Psalm 136:1.
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Roxanne lives in Johannesburg and works as a counsellor. She enjoys listening to podcasts, coffee & cake, and is an enthusiastic proponent of hope.
Kate is the current owner and editor of Cup of Faith. She is a blogger who loves Jesus, loves to read, and currently lives in Johannesburg with her husband.
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