Palm Sunday Devotion

This Palm Sunday Devotion is the first in a series of devotions for the week before Easter.

And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
Mark 11:9

Today is Palm Sunday; the day we remember the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. It marks the start of the Holy Week. And all I can think about is that Jesus knew.

As He sat atop the donkey and rode into the city, Jesus knew the same people who were shouting “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” would be shouting, “Crucify Him!” just a few days later.

I can’t help but wonder what was on His mind. I know He wasn’t basking in the praise. Partly because that wasn’t in His nature, but also because He knew the hearts of everyone there. He knew it was empty praise. They were praising the miracles He might perform for them, not recognizing Him as the Messiah. And I can’t help but wonder if His heart was breaking.

His entry into Jerusalem was the only noteworthy thing that happened that day. He went to the temple, but didn’t stay. He didn’t preach. He didn’t heal. He didn’t rebuke. And I wonder if He might have been overwhelmed by what was to come? Or maybe He just needed a day to prepare His heart and mind for what was to come?

Obviously, we can’t know the answer to that. But have you ever stopped to think about the Holy Week from the perspective of Jesus? I don’t think I have. Anyway, that’s where my heart and mind are as we step into the Holy Week.

Find all the devotions in the Holy Week series here.