Palm Sunday
April 2, 2023
(Matthew 21:1–7, NIV84) “As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, tell him that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.” 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.’ ” The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt, placed their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat on them.”
Could anything be more humble and humiliating than for the very Son of the true God, to ride on a donkey into the capital city of Jerusalem, the place where a temple had been erected by men to worship and honor the true God?
On a donkey. Not a white horse. Not a golden carriage. Not a luxury automobile with many preceding him and following him accompanied by sirens. Not decked out in crowns like the coronation of the King of England we can expect to see soon.
But this wasn’t the greatest humiliation of Jesus, Son of God and son of Mary. The most terrible of his humiliation would come 5 days later, when he would be taken prisoner, endure an all-night trial, experiencing beating, scourging, mockery, a crown of thorns. He would then be nailed to a cross, there to die a horrible death.
“He humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:8, NIV84)
All this he suffered for you, so that you, by faith in his work, would be glorified and honored forever with him in heaven!
Prayer
Almighty and everlasting God, who has sent Thy Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, to take upon him our flesh and to suffer death upon the cross so that all mankind could be saved, mercifully grant that we may both follow the example of his patience and also be made partakers of his resurrection. This we ask through Jesus Christ, thy Son, Our Lord. Amen
