Lenten Journey 2014: Palm Sunday

Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.” This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying, “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’” The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them. Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?” And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.” (Matt. 21:1-11)
 

 Good evening, Internet. Today is Palm Sunday (also known as the Sunday of the Passion), the first day of what is called Holy Week. The passage quoted above is taken from Matthew's account of the Triumphal Entry, which marked Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. This day, as I mentioned, is also referred to as the Sunday of the Passion, for this week culminates on Good Friday, when the Church commemorates the redemptive sacrifice that Christ made on sinful man's behalf. All throughout Lent, we are invited to join Jesus on the via dolorosa, or sorrowful way. This is somehow more intensified during Holy Week, when the days count down until Good Friday, when we behold our Savior enduring the sorrowful way to the end. But Good Friday is not the end of the story. But it is a necessary stop on our journey with Jesus. For without Good Friday there cannot be an Easter Sunday, and vice versa. But I fear I am getting too far ahead of myself, so I will attempt to focus back on today's events. Matthew says that what has been spoken by the prophet has been fulfilled. Which of the numerous prophets is he referring to? He is referring to a prophecy made by Zechariah, in which he describes the way in which the coming King is to come. Not as the people envisioned him, high and mighty, but low and humble (see Zechariah 9).

So, on this Palm Sunday 2014, here is a promise from God's word: Your King is coming. He came before, as the babe of Bethlehem, and He is coming again, but this time as the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Blessed Holy Week,
Manny Tovar