I love the exercise of doing something again. I like to read the same great books, over and over. I like to watch the same TV shows, or watch the same movies, and mine them for new gems. I’ve been re-reading all of Jane Austen’s novels over the past few years, and every book has been a delight. If books are prisms, then each new season of life has me looking through a different side, seeing how old and new insights bounce off of each other like light, making the experience richer and brighter each time I read.
Sometimes, reading Scripture is like that, especially reading beloved passages like the one today from Luke 19. Perhaps this is your first time ever reading the story of Jesus’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem, kicking off the final series of events before His death. Perhaps you’ve read it dozens of times, and as you read it this morning your eyes skimmed over it, connecting only with the keywords you know to expect.
Because Scripture is a means of grace, it reads us as much as we read it. Like a prism, it catches light no matter when we look at it, and illuminates something deeper and richer. Scripture is living and active, which means that if we approach it with prayer, the Holy Spirit will guide us, and it will always reveal something to us.
I can imagine the cries of the crowd who cheered for Jesus were staccato: sharp, loud, joyful, full of passion, short. “Blessed is the King!” they yelled, throwing their garments on the ground for His donkey to walk over. Not long after, the crowds would cry something different: “Crucify Him!”
But it seems that Jesus gave a legato response to the crowd: long notes, connected to a deeper understanding of His purpose. His statements reference the Old Testament: “the stones will cry out” from Habakkuk 2; and “For the days will come on you when your enemies will build a barricade around you, surround you, and hem you in on every side” (Luke 19:43), from Isaiah 29, Jeremiah 6, and Ezekiel 4.
Jesus’s statement, “If you knew this day what would bring peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes” resounds with wisdom and sadness (Luke 19:42). He was speaking to Jerusalem, the city He loved. He was speaking to the crowds who cheered Him and the Pharisees who challenged Him. He spoke with authority, which would quickly be followed up with anger when He cleansed the temple.
Lent, Holy Week, and Easter are a symphony, full of staccato celebration and legato mourning. We cheer, we cry. We celebrate, we abstain. We experience the fullness of life, death, and hope everlasting. We are Easter people, but we have the whole of the story in our bones. And every time we read it, we feel it more and deeper: the pain, the joy, and the glorious hope.
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49 thoughts on "Palm Sunday"
I also struggled through Jeremiah at times but am thankful for the faithful obedience of God’s servants then and now.
I am walking through this Holy week with anticipation and longing- especially after a visit to Israel last May and seeing where all of these events took place-it makes it even more vivid picturing the places.
Blessed holy week friends-thankful for each one of you.
I also felt like I struggled through Jeremiah, especially by the end. It felt heavy and sad. At times hard to find hope. But did that ever set the scene for today! So grateful Jesus is on the scene. I feel like the weeks in Jeremiah really prepared my heart for today and the upcoming week. I feel extra grateful for the gift of Easter and the redemption it brings. Thank you so much SRT!
Yes!! I feel the same way!!! It has really prepared my heart to weep and be grateful God sent His son to redeem us and celebrate with so much joy His resurrection!
Oh Lord guide us as we walk through the week that is ahead. Even in the dark May we hold onto the truth – that resurrection is on the horizon.
Good morning Ladies! This is my first post, however I’ve been part of the community for quite some time! Jeremiah has been a hard book to read/study, and I am so looking forward to Resurrection Sunday! Shalom! ❤️
The book of Jeremiah has been a hard book to read at times. God HAD to punish His people because of their sin! But God will not forget His promise to restore them to their homeland someday. Their time is yet to come. And what JOY there will be then.
I am also doing a study with some of my fellow church ladies on the book of Hebrews. In chapter 4 verse 12…a very familiar scripture to most of us; “For the word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword….it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” As I started on my study one day this week something came into my mind and I was immediately convicted for it. I had to stop and confess and repent! Oh, the feeling of being cleansed and forgiven, such joy I experienced! Our God is a Generous, Compassionate Deliverer!I have been His child for 48 years and He is SO precious to me.
Thank you, Father for your grace and mercy. For all the blessings you shower me with, and I so undeserving. Amen.
Yes, beautifully written and has inspired me to read all the Easter story aloud with my daughter, we forget so easily!! Happy Palm Sunday xxx
Feeling God stir in my spirit in an extra special way today. After weeks of despair in the world and in Jeremiah, my joy is uncontainable for the coming of Easter!
Yes!!
Hi lovely ladies ♡ I dont know about you guys but SRT is the best way to start my day and end my night. I LOVE that prism analogy. ♡