Christian Reflection and Prayer

PALM SUNDAY

Our Daily Bread Radio is hosted by
Les Lamborn


Scripture:

Read: Luke 19:28-40

Blessed is [He] who comes in the
name of the Lord! —Luke 19:38


Imagine standing shoulder to shoulder
with onlookers by a dirt road. The
woman behind you is on her tiptoes,
trying to see who is coming. In the
distance, you glimpse a man riding a
donkey. As He approaches, people toss
their coats onto the road. Suddenly,
you hear a tree crack behind you. A
man is cutting down palm branches,
and people are spreading them out
ahead of the donkey.

Jesus’ followers zealously honored
Him as He entered Jerusalem a few
days before His crucifixion. The
multitude rejoiced and praised God
for “all the mighty works they had seen”
(Luke 19:37). Jesus’ devotees surrounded
Him, calling out, “Blessed is the King
who comes in the name of the Lord!”
(v.38). Their enthusiastic honor affected
the people of Jerusalem. When Jesus
finally arrived, “all the city was moved,
saying, ‘Who is this?’” (Matt. 21:10).

Today, people are still curious about
Jesus. Although we can’t pave His way
with palm branches or shout praises to
Him in person, we can still honor Him.
We can discuss His remarkable works,
assist people in need (Gal. 6:2), patiently
bear insults (1 Peter 4:14-16), and love
each other deeply (v.8). Then we must
be ready to answer the onlookers who
ask, “Who is Jesus?”

So let our lips and lives express
The holy gospel we profess;
So let our works and virtues shine,
To prove the doctrine all divine. —Watts

We honor God’s name when we call Him our Father
and live like His Son.

PALM SUNDAY PRAYER

Prayer:

I worship you Lord! You did not enter
your holy city Jerusalem on the back
of a war horse, but humbly and on a
donkey. You knew that you were
surrounded by murderers, yet you
came in peace, and by your sacrifice
you would utterly conquer death before
the week had passed. You, oh Lord,
are blessed and worthy of my praise.
You have saved your people. I say,
"you are my king!" ... I long to live in
the city where you sit on the throne!
Establish your Kingdom, so that your
people can live in peace. Jesus, I bow
before you, and I will sing your praises
until your Kingdom comes and is
established, and forever after.
AMEN