Mark 11:1-10 (NIV)
As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 3 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.’”
4 They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, 5 some people standing there asked, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” 6 They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go.7 When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it.8 Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. 9 Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted,
“Hosanna![a]”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”[b]
10 “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!”
“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
Palm Sunday is a celebration of Jesus’ triumphal ride into Jerusalem. Jesus was well aware of the suffering about to come down on him, but he still road in on his donkey with great excitement. What an amazing attitude he displayed despite the cruelties and betrayals that he will soon endure.
Take for a moment and think back at a time you were super nervous or feeling persecuted. What was your attitude? Were you calm and positive? Were you happy and ready to celebrate with those around you? I absolutely hate the dentist. I get anxious, uptight, grumpy and so snappy at others. Here Jesus is heading to a his own crucifixion and yet he is celebrating. Even riding in on a donkey to my dentist will not help me think more positively or even make me less anxious. We can learn so much from the example Jesus sets for us. Even though Jesus knew all the details of what would happen in the next week; he had faith in his father. Jesus knew the ultimate goal was to bring glory to his Heavenly father and a way for each of us to have a relationship with God regardless of our sins.
We need to keep this celebratory attitude of Jesus in mind every time we face an event that may bring out the worst in us. Face the event with knowing that as a child of God, God has your back and the outcome will bring Him glory. Your enthusiastic attitude will be contagious to those around you. It will prompt questions and perhaps the opportunity to share about the love of Christ. Ultimately, Jesus exhibited peace that illustrates his incredible trust in God’s plans. Your peace in light of adversity will remind others of your trust in God and his salvation.
This Palm Sunday take a moment as you celebrate the triumphal entrance of Jesus and focus on your attitude in light of trying circumstances. Try to keep as positive as you can and see what effects come out of this approach instead of all the negative ones.
It is my prayer this Palm Sunday that each of you know why Jesus started the journey to Jerusalem with his triumphal entrance. In all you do give God the Glory even in the toughest times!