March 29th, 2026
Today is the start of what in many traditions is known as “Holy Week”. Holy Week is the period of 8 days from Palm Sunday – when Jesus entered Jerusalem – to Easter Sunday – when Jesus’ followers encountered their Risen Lord. When we walk with Jesus through this week intentionally – meditating on his words and actions in Jerusalem, at the last supper, and on the cross – our hearts are opened to experience deep, transformative joy on Easter Sunday.
Today is Palm Sunday! In many Bibles, the heading for today’s Scripture passage reads “The Triumphant Entry”. This is an accurate albeit paradoxical title. Jesus was arriving in Jerusalem to celebrate Passover, and by now, he was likely a household name, for better or for worse. Those who believed that Jesus was the promised Messiah lined the streets to welcome their long-expected king. They waved Palm Branches, laid their cloaks on the ground, and celebrated his arrival. Luke 36:37 tells us that at some point his followers started shouting and singing, “praising God for the miracles they had seen.” The joy was palpable as they experienced the fulfillment of a promise given to God’s people hundreds of years before. In the coming days, their expectations of what the Messiah would be and do were going to be challenged. The intermission in the story – Good Friday – was far from triumphant, but on that original Palm Sunday, and on this day, we celebrate the fulfillment of a promise – the arrival of our good and gracious King.
As you join with your brothers and sisters in Christ to worship today, give thanks to God for his faithfulness to you. Let your gratitude turn to joy and your joy to worship. Hosanna in the highest! The King is Here!
Prayer: Today, Father, I set aside all the worries of this life and focus on your faithfulness. Help me Lord, to truly celebrate today as I reflect on your arrival in Jerusalem as king. May my heart be filled with joy as I welcome you with praise.
