Jesus was loved by the crowds in one minute and hated by them within a few days.
The people came carrying palm branches and cloaks, which they laid on the road. They began shouting Hosanna, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the king of Israel!” as Jesus rode through the streets on a donkey.
The people were thrilled that King Jesus was among them and had come to set them free, but Jesus knew that some of the same people in the crowds calling Him the King would be the same people hurling insults and shouting for His death in a few days.
Palm Sunday is a reminder that even though the people celebrated the arrival of Jesus as King and declared it throughout the streets, it would only take a matter of days for their celebration of His arrival to be forgotten and replaced with words that pleaded for His crucifixion.
In the days to come, the people would no longer see Him as the celebrated King but as a mere man who deserved death. Palm Sunday shows the humility of Jesus Christ as He rode through the streets on the donkey, knowing He would soon make the ultimate sacrifice for us.
Jesus knew this had to take place as it was His mission from Abba Father to come to Earth as a human baby representing a spotless lamb who knew no sin to become sin to save us from eternal separation from God and death.
He knew that He would be betrayed by one of His disciples, whom He called a friend, one He fellowshipped and broke bread with. Reflecting on this moment shows how important the mission was for Jesus. He didn’t allow his emotions to control the situation of being betrayed by someone He loved to stop Him from what He was sent to do.
Today, I remember Palm Sunday with a grateful heart, knowing that Jesus came to save me and you. He rode through the streets of Jerusalem on a donkey, where people welcomed and celebrated Him as the King who had come to save His people. Jesus knew this day was leading us to His death, but He continued to travel down the road, knowing how it all would play out in a week.
Scriptures for more insight:
Matthew 21:1–9, Mark 11:1–10, Luke 19:28–40, and John 12:12–19.
Spoken Thoughts 
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