Palm Sunday: The Road to Jerusalem
Today, we are celebrating Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem and the start of Holy Week. It has been quite a gospel journey and buildup the last 90 days to get us to this point of now reflecting on Jesus’s last week leading up to his death, burial, and resurrection. Take a moment to read or listen to Luke 19:28–44 three times with a separate emphasis each time:
The first time you read or listen, focus on how Jesus demonstrated humility in his journey to Jerusalem. It might be helpful to reference the prophetic fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9 in this passage. Ask the Lord to bring fresh insight into why humility was so important for his entry into Jerusalem. Ask the Lord to show you why humility is important for you as you go on the road of bringing his Kingdom near to those around you.
The second time you read or listen, focus on the praise that is both given and not given to Jesus as he enters Jerusalem. The road Jesus walked from Jericho to Jerusalem is challenging with over 14 miles and 3400 ft. of ascent. This road had been traveled by thousands going to Jerusalem during Passover each year. They would often sing the songs of ascent out of Psalms 120–134 as they were on the road. Ask the Lord what song(s) of praise you can sing on the road as you bring the gospel to those around you. Take some time now to praise him!
The third time you read or listen, focus on the tears Jesus shed for the city of Jerusalem. This is one of the few times we see Jesus weep in the gospels. Ask the Lord why he wept over Jerusalem. Ask the Lord to give you his eyes and heart for the people in your missional spaces and city as you go out on the road. Ask the Lord what breaks his heart in your city and for those same things to break your heart.
Scripture Passage: Luke 19:28–44
After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it.’” Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?” They replied, “The Lord needs it.” They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road. When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lee Price and his wife Jana have served as missionaries for over 20 years in Colorado pursuing the work of gospel movement. They have a deep love for seeing new disciples raised up out of the harvest and new churches planted. They have also spent a number of years starting non-profits and working alongside local community leadership to bring about grassroots community transformation. More recently Lee and Jana have relocated to the Texas Panhandle to support Novo's efforts of seeing gospel movements launched across the world. Lee has a bachelor degree in Communication from West Texas A&M University and a masters degree in Christian Ministry.
