🌿 Palm Sunday – April 13
The Welcome Parade That Led to the Cross
Holy Week Reflection Series: The Journey Through
Theme: What He Walked Through and What We Walk Through Now
Scripture:
“The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David!’ ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ‘Hosanna in the highest heaven!’”
—Matthew 21:9 (NIV)
Reflection and Insight
The road was dusty, but the energy was electric.
They didn’t roll out a red carpet—they laid down palms and garments.
They waved branches. They shouted praise.
“Hosanna! Blessed is He!”
Jesus entered Jerusalem not with a military parade, but with humility.
On a donkey.
Not to overthrow—but to transform. He knew what was coming. The betrayal. The anguish. The cross.
And still—He showed up.
Palm Sunday is often painted in celebration, but beneath the surface lies something much deeper. This was not just a welcome—it was a walk of willingness.
Jesus was welcomed by the same people who would later call for His death.
He stepped forward, knowing celebration would turn to condemnation.
The Everyday Parallel
Have you ever had a moment when the crowd applauded you publicly, but privately, you felt unseen or unsafe?
When people cheered, but you carried pain they couldn’t perceive?
When someone said, “You’re amazing,”—but your soul whispered, “If only you knew what I’m facing…”
This is what makes Jesus’ walk so relatable.
He models what it means to walk with purpose even when peace isn’t guaranteed.
To show up for your mission even when the crowd’s approval is temporary.
Personal Reflection
Sometimes, I think about all the times I showed up with a smile, even when my heart was heavy.
All the moments I carried purpose and pain at the same time.
Jesus reminds me—that’s not pretending. That’s power.
He didn’t let the noise of celebration distract Him from the quiet weight of His calling.
And we’re called to do the same.
Invitation for Reflection
This Palm Sunday, I invite you to ask:
What are you walking through that others might not see?
Where are you being called to show up—even though you’re carrying something heavy?
Walk anyway.
Wave your own palm branch if you have to.
You are seen.
And the One who walked through it all—walks with you still.
🎶 Musical Moment
Song: Hosanna (Be Lifted Higher) by Israel Houghton
There’s a reverence in this song that moves beyond melody.
“Hosanna in the highest, let our King be lifted up…”
It’s not just a lyric—it’s a posture. A declaration. A surrender.
This song has followed me into many seasons—especially the ones where I had to show up while carrying more than people could see.
And it reminds me that worship is eternal even when the celebration feels fleeting.
Jesus rode into the city not to be praised—but to fulfill purpose.
And even now, we lift Him—not for what He gives, but for who He is.
Watch on YouTube