Palm Sunday: Hearts set on hope

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Our journey through Holy Week starts on Palm Sunday, as Jesus entered Jerusalem.

Matthew 21:1-11 describes a noisy and joyful scene. Palm branches were raised. Crowds lined the streets, crying out: ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’

Palm Sunday is a day of contrasts. The shouts were part praise, part plea. The people were excited to see a king who looked the part, but Jesus came in riding on a donkey. They longed for a Messiah who would fix everything by sheer strength, but Jesus’ power came wrapped in humility. They were excited to greet their Lord, but not wholly ready to welcome the Saviour.

Zephaniah 9:9 reads: ‘Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’

Jesus rode on the triumphal path, undistracted by the chaotic reception, because his heart and his gaze was fixed on Jerusalem.

As he moved, resolute on the salvation of the world, we recognise that the hope that Jesus carried into Jerusalem that day was not concerned with empire, spectacle or force. It rejects any form of righteousness that is built on status or outward display.

Hope for our whole lives

The call of Jesus is a call to servant-hearted humility. It looks like choosing obedience rather than chasing applause, and setting our hearts and our gaze on the hope that is set before us.

In your life, where might you be distracted or attracted by the spectacle of the crowd? Ask God to restore your heart and reset your focus on him.

Let us pray

Jesus, as we welcome you again today, may our own ‘hosannas’ rise. We long for lives to be made whole and hearts to be set on hope.

With hands lifted high, we want to joyfully shout and reflect your righteousness in our world. Far from the noise of the crowds, let us receive you in humility, fully aware of our need for you.