Holy Week: Palm Sunday

Holy Week is about recognizing the uncommon in the midst of our regular lives. As we get closer to Easter Sunday, let us make this week one where we allow the story of God to bleed into our experiences. There is nothing more regular than eating. So we encourage you to do the daily devotionals during a meal time where the food that you eat can compliment the theme of each day of Holy Week.

Jesus’ life revolved around hospitality. He was often welcomed into people’s homes. In these special, holy moments, people shared space, life, and meals with Jesus the Lord. May we do the same, and allow the regular moments in our lives to be encounters with Jesus as we near Easter Sunday. 

Palm Sunday: “The Lord’s Arrival”

Mark 11:1-11
The Triumphal Entry

11 Now when they drew near to Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples 2 and said to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately as you enter it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it. 3 If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord has need of it and will send it back here immediately.’” 4 And they went away and found a colt tied at a door outside in the street, and they untied it. 5 And some of those standing there said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” 6 And they told them what Jesus had said, and they let them go. 7 And they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it, and he sat on it. 8 And many spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut from the fields. 9 And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! 10 Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!”

11 And he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple. And when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.

Devotional

Most people have had seasons in life when they were away from loved ones. College students and parents of college students experience this during the semester. Those who have served in the military or had someone serve in the military experience this. Those who travel for work trips, or retreat, or summer camp can relate as well. The longing to be reunited builds each day, each week, each month; and when you finally see your loved one walk through the door, all the joy comes flooding out.

They are finally here!

That joyful emotion is similar to what a lot of people felt as Jesus entered Jerusalem on what we call Palm Sunday. The king had been gone from Jerusalem not just for days, weeks, months, years, but for centuries. For generations. But as Jesus entered Jerusalem, the crowds recognized that the king had finally arrived. The people, the children, cannot help but shout with praise, “God saves!” “The king has arrived!”

On this Palm Sunday, we remember that in Jesus, the Lord arrived; and this is cause for celebration as we experience the sweet reunion between God and his creation. May we rejoice for the Lord is near.

“Jesus’ Triumphant Entry” by He Qi

Food: Sweet/dessert

• For today, we suggest including something sweet in your dinner or lunch that you normally don’t include. This could be fruit, candy, chocolate, or some other dessert. As you eat the sweet food item, allow this to be a physical reminder of the sweet and joyful reunion between God and creation.