Devotion:
For an audio version of this devotion, click here.
Read Matthew 21:1-22.
This Palm Parade took place on the Sunday before the Resurrection. It was such an important moment in history. The prophet Zechariah prophesied in Zechariah 9:9 that the Messiah would ride into Jerusalem on a donkey. He writes,
“Rejoice greatly, daughter of Zion!
Shout in triumph, daughter of Jerusalem!
Behold, your king is coming to you;
He is righteous and endowed with salvation,
Humble, and mounted on a donkey,
Even a colt, the foal of a donkey.”
Why did Jesus enter Jerusalem on a donkey? There is nothing wrong with a donkey but why not a majestic animal like a horse? A horse symbolizes majesty and royalty, but it also symbolizes war. They were expecting Jesus to overthrow the Roman Government and set up His kingdom then and there. Riding into Jerusalem on a war horse could have made things more difficult. It was not the message Jesus wanted to send. A donkey is a symbol of meekness.
The hope for all the world went into Jerusalem on a borrowed donkey. He would soon be crucified on a borrowed cross and placed in a borrowed tomb. As we celebrate Holy Week, let us read the scriptures, and think about the events of Holy Week: the meal, the sacrifice, and the glory of the Resurrection.
Personal Worship Option:
King Jesus, we lift our voices in praise, thanking You for sending Your Son not with pride and power, but with meekness and love. As we wave our spiritual palm branches today, prepare our hearts for the journey of Holy Week and may you reign in our hearts King Jesus. Amen
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