This week we will consider the events of what is often referred to as Holy Week—what happened from Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday. Two explanatory notes: (1) There are differences of opinion in exactly what took place on each specific day. (2) Much more could be said about each day than this blog is able to cover. Therefore these blogs will be general and inconclusive, but I trust thoughtful and helpful.

PALM SUNDAY: Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-44, John 12:12-19

“The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out: "Hosanna! 'BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD!' The King of Israel!" Then Jesus, when He had found a young donkey, sat on it; as it is written: "FEAR NOT, DAUGHTER OF ZION; BEHOLD, YOUR KING IS COMING, SITTING ON A DONKEY'S COLT." John 12:12-15

What happened: Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey’s colt commemorates His triumphal entry into Jerusalem.

Key thoughts: Jesus entered as King, not only of the Jews, but as King of kings. What happened was sadly misunderstood, as the joyful people believed that Jesus was coming merely as an earthly Messiah who would drive out the Roman oppressors and reestablish a new and improved kingdom, like that of David’s.

Application: People still misidentify Jesus every day! Common errors about Jesus include supposing that He was merely a teacher who came to show us a better way to live. Others erroneously insist that He came to make us healthy and wealthy.

Who is Jesus, and what did He come for? What happened that week tells the true tale. He came in humility to lay down His life by dying on the cross to pay the penalty for His people’s sins. He rose from the dead to defeat sin, death, and Hell for His people. The correct response: Believe in and love Him as Savior. Obediently follow Him as King of all kings and Lord of all lords!