Luke 19: 37-40
On this memorable day which is recorded and described by all the gospel writers, and which we notably refer to as Palm Sunday, Jesus gloriously presents Himself to the Jewish people as the Messiah – King, in fulfilment of the prophetic word – Zechariah 9:9. He comes not as a military conqueror riding on a white stallion, but as the lowly Prince of Peace. The people are ecstatic – especially His disciples. It is clear from the context that the raising of Lazarus is fresh on their minds. The healing of Blind Bartimaeus is another miracle creating the greatest stir among the masses. They are excited beyond words that their messianic expectations are satisfied.
Formerly, Jesus refused to be openly honored as the messiah, but now His moment had arrived. He would declare Himself as the promised King, but not with the outward power, show and force they were expecting. As He descended from the Mount of Olives, the people shouted and praised Him as the One who comes in the name of the Lord, especially His disciples, but were soon disappointed when they realized that He would not be the military commander and conqueror they were expecting Him to be.
However, before Jesus left, He promised He would return. He said to His trusting and ever-loving disciples, “Let not your heart be troubled… I will come again” (John 14:1-3). The angel asserted, “… This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11). The fact is, according to the revelation of Scripture the next time He comes, He comes not as prince of peace riding upon a mule, but He returns with power and great glory, riding a white horse to put down all sin and rebellion forever (Revelation 19:11-16). He gloriously returns as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and the Scriptures declare, “…and every eye shall see him and they also which pierced him: and all the kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him. Even so, Amen” (Revelation 1:7).
In the meantime, let us fully acknowledge and receive Him as the prince of peace who triumphantly comes to graciously save us from our sins and bring peace and prosperity to us in the name of he Lord. Let us, like His disciples on this day, continue in this sacred tradition of celebrating Him publicly for all the mighty works we have seen and experienced. With branches of palm trees, may we too go forth to meet Him (John 12:13).
Luke is diligent to point out “. . . and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon. And as he went, they spread their clothes in the way. And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen; saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest” (Luke 19:35-38). In Matthew they cried out “Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest” (Matthew 21:9). For every miracle and blessing we have received, we too exclaim Hosanna, and we worship Him in the highest. Let us now begin to rejoice and praise Him. If we don’t, the stones will immediately cry out, Jesus says (Luke 19:40). We, therefore, refuse to mourn today! We rejoice and ceaselessly praise Him. On this Palm Sunday, all across this region we send up a Crescendo of Praise! With loud voices we praise Him!
Leroy V. Greenaway
Presiding Bishop – Northeast Region
