Embracing the Significance of Palm Sunday
Summary
Today, we gather to reflect on Palm Sunday, a day often overshadowed by the monumental event of Easter. Palm Sunday is the day before the day, a precursor to the resurrection, and it holds profound significance in its own right. It marks the moment when Jesus entered Jerusalem, fully aware of the fate that awaited Him. This day is a testament to His courage and commitment to His divine mission. Jesus knew the risks and the expectations placed upon Him, yet He chose to come anyway. This act of intentionality and sacrifice is a powerful reminder of His love and purpose.
As we prepare for Easter, it's crucial to understand the importance of Palm Sunday. Jesus' entry into Jerusalem was not a mere historical event; it was a deliberate step towards fulfilling His mission. He came knowing the suffering He would endure, the betrayal He would face, and the expectations He would defy. The people expected a political savior, a king who would overthrow Roman rule. Instead, Jesus came to establish a kingdom not of this world, a kingdom of hearts and souls.
This week, as we journey through Holy Week, let us not rush past the significance of Palm Sunday. Let us prepare our hearts for Easter by reflecting on the intentionality of Jesus' actions. He came knowing what would happen, yet He came anyway. This week, we have the opportunity to walk through Holy Week with devotionals and reflections that will help us prepare for the celebration of the resurrection. Let us marvel at the depth of Jesus' love and the magnitude of His sacrifice.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Day Before the Day: Palm Sunday is a day of preparation, a day that sets the stage for the resurrection. It reminds us that every significant event has a precursor, a moment that prepares us for what is to come. As we approach Easter, let us not overlook the importance of preparing our hearts and minds for the celebration of Jesus' resurrection. [29:58]
2. Jesus Came Knowing the Risks: Jesus entered Jerusalem fully aware of the suffering and death that awaited Him. His willingness to face these challenges demonstrates His unwavering commitment to His mission and His love for humanity. This serves as a powerful reminder that true courage is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to act despite it. [33:18]
3. Defying Expectations: The people of Jerusalem expected a political savior, but Jesus came to establish a spiritual kingdom. This teaches us that God's plans often defy our expectations, and His ways are higher than ours. We must be open to His purpose, even when it doesn't align with our own desires. [42:03]
4. Intentional Sacrifice: Jesus' journey to the cross was not a result of failure or chance; it was a deliberate act of love and sacrifice. He knew the details of His suffering and chose to endure it for our sake. This intentionality calls us to reflect on the depth of His love and the purpose of His sacrifice. [46:01]
5. Preparing for Easter: As we approach Easter, let us take intentional steps to prepare our hearts. Through devotionals, reflections, and participation in Holy Week events, we can deepen our understanding of Jesus' sacrifice and celebrate His resurrection with renewed faith and gratitude. [49:43]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[05:30] - Holy Week Overview
[07:30] - Easter Service Details
[10:00] - The Day Before the Day
[15:00] - Significance of Palm Sunday
[20:00] - Jesus' Intentional Journey
[25:00] - Understanding the Risks
[30:00] - Defying Expectations
[35:00] - The Depth of Jesus' Sacrifice
[40:00] - Preparing for Easter
[45:00] - Holy Week Walkthrough
[50:00] - Invitation to Reflect and Prepare
[55:00] - Communion and Response
[58:00] - Closing Prayer and Dismissal
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Palm Sunday
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 21:1-11
2. John 11:8-10
3. Hebrews 12:2
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Observation Questions:
1. What specific instructions did Jesus give to His disciples regarding the donkey and colt in Matthew 21:1-11?
2. How did the people of Jerusalem react to Jesus' entry, and what were they shouting? [29:58]
3. According to John 11:8-10, what were the disciples' concerns about Jesus going to Jerusalem, and how did Jesus respond to them?
4. What does Hebrews 12:2 say about Jesus' attitude towards the cross, and how does this relate to His entry into Jerusalem?
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Interpretation Questions:
1. Why is Palm Sunday referred to as "the day before the day," and what significance does this hold in the context of Easter? [29:58]
2. How does Jesus' awareness of the risks and His decision to enter Jerusalem anyway demonstrate His commitment to His mission? [33:18]
3. In what ways did Jesus' entry into Jerusalem defy the expectations of the people, and what does this teach us about God's plans versus human expectations? [42:03]
4. How does the intentionality of Jesus' actions on Palm Sunday challenge our understanding of sacrifice and love? [46:01]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you had to face a difficult situation knowingly, like Jesus did entering Jerusalem. How did you find the courage to proceed, and what can you learn from Jesus' example? [33:18]
2. The people of Jerusalem had certain expectations of Jesus that were not met. Have you ever had expectations of God that were not fulfilled in the way you anticipated? How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? [42:03]
3. As we prepare for Easter, what intentional steps can you take this week to prepare your heart and mind for the celebration of Jesus' resurrection? Consider participating in devotionals or reflections. [49:43]
4. Jesus' entry into Jerusalem was an act of intentional sacrifice. How can you demonstrate intentionality and sacrifice in your relationships or community this week? [46:01]
5. How can you use the story of Palm Sunday to explain the significance of Jesus' mission to someone who may not understand its importance?
6. Consider the expectations you have of Jesus in your life. Are there areas where you need to align your expectations with His purpose and plans? How can you begin to do that this week? [42:03]
7. What specific actions can you take to ensure that Easter is not just another day, but a meaningful celebration of Jesus' resurrection in your life? [49:43]
Devotional
Day 1: Preparing the Heart for Resurrection
Palm Sunday is a day of preparation, setting the stage for the resurrection. It reminds us that every significant event has a precursor, a moment that prepares us for what is to come. As we approach Easter, let us not overlook the importance of preparing our hearts and minds for the celebration of Jesus' resurrection. This preparation involves reflecting on the intentionality of Jesus' actions and the depth of His love. By understanding the significance of Palm Sunday, we can better appreciate the journey that leads to the resurrection. [29:58]
"Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 1:13, ESV)
Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to prepare your heart and mind for the celebration of Easter?
Day 2: Courage in the Face of Suffering
Jesus entered Jerusalem fully aware of the suffering and death that awaited Him. His willingness to face these challenges demonstrates His unwavering commitment to His mission and His love for humanity. This serves as a powerful reminder that true courage is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to act despite it. Jesus' journey to the cross was marked by intentionality and sacrifice, showing us the depth of His love and the purpose of His mission. [33:18]
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9, ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to demonstrate courage despite fear? How can you draw strength from Jesus' example?
Day 3: Embracing God's Unexpected Plans
The people of Jerusalem expected a political savior, but Jesus came to establish a spiritual kingdom. This teaches us that God's plans often defy our expectations, and His ways are higher than ours. We must be open to His purpose, even when it doesn't align with our own desires. By embracing God's unexpected plans, we can experience the fullness of His kingdom and the depth of His love. [42:03]
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord." (Isaiah 55:8, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a time when God's plan for you was different from what you expected. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience?
Day 4: The Depth of Intentional Sacrifice
Jesus' journey to the cross was not a result of failure or chance; it was a deliberate act of love and sacrifice. He knew the details of His suffering and chose to endure it for our sake. This intentionality calls us to reflect on the depth of His love and the purpose of His sacrifice. By understanding the magnitude of Jesus' sacrifice, we can deepen our appreciation for His love and commitment to humanity. [46:01]
"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8, ESV)
Reflection: How does understanding the intentionality of Jesus' sacrifice change your perspective on His love for you?
Day 5: Intentional Preparation for Easter
As we approach Easter, let us take intentional steps to prepare our hearts. Through devotionals, reflections, and participation in Holy Week events, we can deepen our understanding of Jesus' sacrifice and celebrate His resurrection with renewed faith and gratitude. By intentionally preparing for Easter, we can experience the fullness of the resurrection and the joy of new life in Christ. [49:43]
"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." (James 4:8, ESV)
Reflection: What specific actions can you take this week to draw closer to God and prepare for the celebration of Easter?
Quotes
Paul told us that if the resurrection didn't happen, then our faith is completely in vain. I obviously agree that Easter is the day, but we'll get to that next week. But for today, my goal is to set you up for a week of preparation and to focus as we head towards Easter so that it is not a surprising day for us. As we take a break from the letters of John, we're going to have a little two-week Easter series here called The Day Death Died. This is Palm Sunday, the day before the day. Let me pray for us, and then we'll get into it. Lord, thank you that every day is marked out and matters to you. [00:29:17] (41 seconds)
Not only Palm Sunday, not only Easter, but today, was a day that you created. We do want to be glad and rejoice in it. We also want to receive from you today. I pray, God, that this would not be a wasted day as we wait on another. But today would be a day where we sit before you and ask you what you have for us today so that we might grow closer to you, so that we might exalt you, so that we might know more about you. Lord, that's what we desire today. [00:30:07] (29 seconds)
Jesus knew the risk of going to Jerusalem, but he went anyway. His disciples knew the risk too. When Jesus was headed towards Jerusalem, as he got closer to Jerusalem, they said to him in John 11 verse 8, the disciples said to him, Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone you, and are you going there again? They knew the risk, and so did Jesus. And Jesus responded in verse 9, are there not 12 hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, but if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him. [00:33:24] (41 seconds)
Now, you might be here, and you might be like brave, and you're like, okay, listen, if it was worth it, even if I knew the risk, I think I would step into that risk if it was worth it. I would step into a risky situation. There's a difference, though, between stepping into a known risk, knowing there are, and then knowing certain that something is going to happen. There is a difference between kind of knowing there's a risk out there, and knowing something's going to happen. See, Jesus came knowing what would happen. [00:34:48] (35 seconds)
Jesus shares detail after detail of who? The elders, the chief priests, and the scribes. Where? Jerusalem. How? With suffering. And Matthew would recall later in Matthew chapter 20 how Jesus would specifically say it would be by a specific instrument of death, crucifixion. He gave them the who, the what, and the where, and he would even give more details. He said in Mark 10, we are going up to Jerusalem. There's your where. The Son of Man will be delivered over. In other words, they're not going to like, come grab him. Somebody's going to deliver me. That was Judas. [00:37:01] (37 seconds)
Or we get this picture, this beautiful picture of Jesus walking down the hillside with the palm fronds and people are singing. And we paint this as a jovial scene. And for the crowd, it was. But for Jesus, he knew. Can you imagine the dissonance between what he was feeling and what they were feeling? And him knowing it. Jesus came with full knowledge of what was going to happen. Which, by the way, is just another reminder of who this Jesus was and is. [00:38:44] (34 seconds)
He was going to reign on a forever throne where he would be king of kings and lord of lords. He would reign over the lives of people in their hearts and as their eternal lord and leader of their lives forever. He wouldn't be limited by an earthly tenure of an earthly king. He would supersede and exceed all of their expectations. They didn't know it in that moment. Today, people have mixed up expectations about Jesus, who he is and what he's there for in our lives. [00:45:48] (34 seconds)
We expect him to come in and solve all of our temporary problems when he actually has bigger plans. But the truth remains, he came. He came knowing what would happen. He came knowing what their expectations were, and he came anyway. It's a simple truth, and it's really all I have for you today. But for today, the day before the day, I just want you to sit in it. Right, as we think about next Sunday and Easter, today matters. [00:46:40] (35 seconds)
Marvel at this thing that Jesus did on Palm Sunday that nobody else would do. Coming to town knowing what he knew and coming anyway. See, if Jesus had come to town, and if he had failed at trying to start a coup, and so he settled for becoming a martyr for his cause on a cross, that would be different. Right, if his intention was to actually take over Caesar's throne, and he like failed, and so he became a martyr for their cause. There's a lot of political dissidents who followed a track like that. [00:47:04] (35 seconds)
Hebrews recounts that Jesus, who for the joy was set before him. Joy? Joy? Did I read that right? Who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. He is a king. Paul wrote in Philippians, Pastor Taylor read it a moment ago, and being found in human form, he humbled himself. Nobody made him. He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. [00:47:58] (37 seconds)
I don't think it's hyperbole to say that without Palm Sunday, Easter doesn't happen. Jesus could have called for rescue. He could have changed plans. He could have charted a different course. He could have avoided the conflict. He could have avoided the pain. He could have avoided that and much more. But he came. So this day before the day made it so that the day happened. And my goal for you today is really simple. It's not to rush past this moment. [00:49:00] (33 seconds)
And so here's what we're going to do is I'm going to give you a Holy Week walkthrough, okay? Each day this week. And here's how we're going to give it to you. If you're not signed up for this, you can sign up for it. We send out a Sundays on Monday email. I know a lot of you, there's hundreds of you that get that email. If you don't, what it is is that every week on Monday morning, we send out an email. We call it Sundays on Monday, which the goal is to take what we learned and talked about today and what you experienced today and kind of bring it into your week and put it in your inbox so that you can continue to grow and chew on it. [00:50:07] (35 seconds)
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