Editor's note: It's Palm Sunday! Enjoy this devotion from A Savior Is Risen by Susan Hill.
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Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your King is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt. — John 12:15
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week and celebrates what is known as Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem. When we think of a modern-day triumphal entry, we probably imagine a parade, maybe a high-school marching band, a Rolls-Royce, and crowds lining the streets to get a glimpse of a royal visitor. But Jesus wasn’t a typical king.
Jesus chose a humble donkey to ride into the gates of Jerusalem. By doing so, He fulfilled a prophecy foretold by Zechariah some five hundred years earlier (Zechariah 9:9).
He was openly declaring His identity as the long-awaited Messiah. Even seeing Him on His humble donkey, the crowds spread their cloaks on the ground and waved palm branches as an act of reverence.
This was the moment they had waited for — the Messiah had come.
But the crowds would soon learn they had misunderstood Jesus and His mission, and many turned on Him. They had anticipated a great military leader, but Jesus didn’t come with a sword. Instead, Jesus made a humble and peaceful entry.
He hadn’t come to take the world by force and military might.
Instead, He came to triumph over sin by way of the cross.
The most triumphant week in the Christian calendar starts with a humble donkey. As Christians, we know that our version of triumph may not look like the world’s, but it can be alluring to get caught up in our culture’s “triumph” of success. A bigger home. A promotion. More political power for our group. Winning every argument.
Where in your life do you need to adopt a more donkey-like approach? Have you let the world define your ideas of success, or are you following the Christian example of sacrifice and surrender? It can be difficult to lead a humble life, but by Christ’s model we know it leads to triumph and goodness.
Lord, You triumphed over sin and death on the cross. Help me to remember that Your ways of doing things might differ from my expectations, but You are trustworthy.
Excerpted with permission from A Savior Is Risen by Susan Hill, copyright Zondervan.
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Your Turn
Happy Palm Sunday! Today, we begin Holy Week, also called Passion Week (the week from Palm Sunday to Easter)! This is the day we celebrate Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem on a donkey, being lauded by crowds of people waving palm branches and shouting Hosanna! Let’s follow Jesus this week and practice the humility and obedience to God that He modeled. ~ Devotionals Daily