Yesterday we began Passion week. The word “passion” actually means “to suffer”. Jesus knew this was the beginning of His suffering... suffering for you and for me. If you have EVER questioned God‘s love for you, this is the season where what He did for us leaves no question or doubt.
We call it Palm Sunday, the day that Jesus rode in on a donkey and people waved palm branches and laid their cloaks on the ground as Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem. He was headed for the temple as was custom...except instead of Him bringing a sacrifice, he WAS the sacrifice.
We call it the Triumphal Entry, because our King made His entrance into the city just like every other leader did...except others were much more elaborate and pompous, while Jesus came in simplicity. While others came to be served, Jesus was coming to serve and give His life as a ransom for many.
The people were so excited because they were certain that Jesus was going to be the one that would be the King of the Jews and free them from the tyranny of the Romans. That is exactly what He would do, it just didn’t look like they thought it would. People yelled “Hosanna” meaning “Oh Save!” and that was their heart’s desire. And God did send Jesus to saved them, it just didn’t look the way they thought it would.
Have you ever felt like you were under the weight of something that has been hanging over you for decades? A thing that has been holding you back from all God has for you? And you find yourself frustrated because you really want God to remove this thing but it is still deeply rooted in your life or family dynamic?
The word “save” is a word that means “rescue”, as if someone were drowning and needed a lifesaver thrown to them. That’s the plea of the people in Jerusalem. That’s our plea today.
What is it that you need Jesus to “save”? Can we today declare “Jesus, I declare that You can save me and rescue me from this stronghold. I surrender this to You completely. I also surrender my idea of how I think You should rescue me from this situation, and trust that You know the way that is best. Thank You that You suffered on the cross so that I would not have to suffer the penalty for my sin, which is death: eternal separation from You in a real place called hell. They laid down palm branches, but I lay my situation at Your feet and invite You, as my King, to enter into this particular situation and be Lord over it. In Jesus, my Savior’s name, amen.”
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