Ready:
“Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout in triumph, Daughter Jerusalem! Look, your King is coming to you; he is righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” – Zechariah 9:9
Set:
Athletes can communicate something about themselves when they make an entrance. What athletes wear when arriving at the arena, what they do during starting lineup introductions, what walk-up song they choose for their at-bat—how athletes approach “entrance moments” like these can make a statement.
On Palm Sunday, we remember a key “entrance moment” for Jesus. He rides into Jerusalem on a donkey while crowds spread palm branches before Him, joyfully shouting “Hosanna!” and “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Matthew 21:9; Luke 19:38) By fulfilling the prophecy that came through Zechariah over 500 years before, Jesus’ entrance makes a powerful statement about who He is and what He’s come to do.
“Hosanna” means “save us,” and Jesus comes as the Savior we need. Jesus, the perfectly Righteous One, enters Jerusalem for the purpose of humbly submitting Himself to death on a cross for sinful people. Jesus also comes as the long-awaited King whose reign will last forever. He doesn’t ride in on a war horse, however, but on a donkey—an indication that He comes to bring peace. Three days after His crucifixion, He demonstrates His victory over sin and death through His resurrection. When we respond in faith to Jesus and what He did, we experience true and lasting peace with God.
As we begin this Holy Week, reflect again on what Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem communicates. Humbly trust the Savior who humbled Himself so that we could be rescued from what we deserve for our sin. Gladly surrender to the King who surrendered His life on the cross for our sake. Christ’s righteous reign brings life and peace. Rejoice greatly that Jesus has come!
Go:
Reflect on how Jesus fulfills Zechariah 9:9. What encourages you or challenges you?
As you enter Holy Week, what specifically can you do to help you stay focused on Christ throughout the week?
Workout:
Overtime:
“Lord Jesus, I rejoice in You because You are our Savior and King. I praise You because You are righteous and victorious. During this Holy Week, please grow my understanding of what Your coming means and deepen my faith in You. Amen.”