Saturday, March 31, 2012

Preparing for Palm Sunday

                                                                                     Source: catholicsupply.com via Ann on Pinterest

In ancient times, palm branches symbolized goodness and victory. They were often depicted on coins and important buildings. Solomon had palm branches carved into the walls and doors of the temple (1 Kings 6:29). Again at the end of the Bible, people from every nation raise palm branches to honor Jesus (Revelation 7:9).  
The Bible tells us that a week before his death, people cut branches from palm trees, laid them across Jesus' path and waved them in the air. They greeted Jesus not as the spiritual Messiah who would take away the sins of the world, but as a potential political leader who would overthrow the Romans.

 Listen to this touching video clip, comparing what they were looking for to what He came for.

(Sources: The New Compact Bible Dictionary, edited by T. Alton Bryant; New Bible Commentary, edited by G.J. Wenham, J.A. Motyer, D.A. Carson, and R.T. France; and the ESV Study Bible, Crossway Bibles.) 
The crowds refused to see Jesus as He truly was, placing their personal desires on him instead. We all have to decide who Jesus is for us. Is he someone whom we want to satisfy our selfish wants and goals, or is he Lord and Master who gave up his life to save us from your sins? I prefer the latter!
palm
The people's cries of 'Hosanna' came from Psalm 118:25-26. Hosanna means "save now." Despite what Jesus had foretold about his mission, the people were looking for a military Messiah who would overthrow the Romans and restore Israel's independence.
Today, we sing "Hosanna" to praise and thank the Lord, who saved us from our sins!
 Listen the song and raise up your praises to HIM!
Hillsong Uniited - Hosanna

 
They waved palm branches as He passed
And hailed Him as their King;
Yet, they knew not of the sorrow
The coming week would bring.

The glad acclaim would soon give way
To jeers and mockery;
In Pilate's court He'd be condemned
To a cross on Calvary.

But Jesus knew He was the price
In God's redemptive plan,
The Sacrificial Lamb come down
To die for sins of man.

The centuries have passed and still
He seeks those lost in sin,
Pleading with unyielding hearts
To repent and follow Him.

On this day we shout our praise,
O, let us not delay;
The palm-strewn path of long ago
Still leads to Him today.

(poem written by Kay Hoffman)
  
 
May you celebrate and remember Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem,
and His TRUE place as KING OF GLORY!!
And King of our lives!!
 

8 comments:

  1. Hi Ann,
    I can just imagine how surprised the people were when Jesus did not fight back and lead the people in the way they thought He would. I think about Judas how very sad and miserable he felt when he realized that he just had Jesus sentenced to death when he was probably trying to force Jesus into defence.

    Blessings,
    <><

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    1. It had to have been disappointing for many people!! I think about what I would have felt, especially as a Jew, if I had lived back then. I would hope and pray I would have had the faith to not be one of them that yelled, "crucify him!" How awful for them!!

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  2. Our pastor spoke on this today. So often, we want Jesus to conform into the image we like - one that fits our "mold."

    Blessings,
    Joan

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    1. So true, Joan!! I am reminded that I need to pray more often, "Your will, Lord, not mine." Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment!

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  3. Jesus did not come as people expected Him to then, and He often doesn't come as we expect Him to now! Hosanna in the Highest! I am so thankful that He came!

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    1. Amen, Barbie! This is such a special week, to remember this in more detail! Blessing to you!

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  4. Oh, I love how we were on the same wave length this week, Ann! What a blessing to read your words as they have also been on my heart.

    And a beautiful song shared--thank you!!!!

    All for Him,
    Nikki

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  5. I pray that your Palm Sunday was a blessed day!!

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