12 The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. 13 So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” 14 And Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written,
15 “Fear not, daughter of Zion;
behold, your king is coming,
sitting on a donkey’s colt!”
16 His disciples did not understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about him and had been done to him. 17 The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to bear witness. 18 The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign. 19 So the Pharisees said to one another, “You see that you are gaining nothing. Look, the world has gone after him.”
Personal Reflection and Discussion
We are now slightly over halfway through John’s Gospel, and we are already at Palm Sunday, the last week of Jesus’ life before His crucifixion.
1. It is the week before Jesus’ crucifixion, and here at this time, Jesus is being hailed as “King of Israel,” all in accordance with prophecy.
- What do you think the crowd was thinking and feeling? What was behind or motivating their words?
- What about the Pharisees (v. 19)?
- Can you think of a time you have spoken without real understanding?
2. What type of commotion, if any, do you think Jesus’ physical entry in our town/city would make today? Explain.
Prayer
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever.
Hosanna to God, Hosanna in the highest!
Let Israel say, “His love endures forever!” and all who fear God say, “His love endures forever!”
Hosanna to God, Hosanna in the highest!
With the Lord on our side, what can we fear? What can humankind do?
Hosanna to God, Hosanna in the highest!
We shall triumph over those who surround us and stand in confidence in the Lord, our God!
Hosanna to God, Hosanna in the highest!
The Lord is our strength and our might. The Lord has become our salvation!
Hosanna to God, Hosanna in the highest!
Hosanna to God, Hosanna in the highest!
Greek Word of the Day
English Word: hosanna | Transliterated Word: ho-san-nah
Of Hebrew origin, “Oh save! An exclamation of adoration!
Family Engagement Activity
For the next several days, we will be in the Passion story. Having a “church year”, we typically limit our emphasis on the Passion to just one week of the year. Although we celebrate Christ all year long, the world knows that sometime in late March or early April, Christians typically praise God to the extreme these weeks. Here is a chance to “be extreme” when the world might not be accustomed to it (unless you are doing this study in March and April then nevermind! :)) Here is an excellent website for all sorts of fun Palm Sunday activities! https://ministryspark.com/palm-sunday-crafts/
Going Activities To Consider
Share a post that you would typically share on Palm Sunday. Continue to do this throughout the Passion Week readings.
OR
Maybe post today’s prayer in an e-mail or a post.
OR
What are some ways that you could tell someone that you thank them for their joy in Jesus? Send them a palm branch or a piece of cloth/clothing thanking them for being an example of true joy in Jesus!