Day 1: PALM SUNDAY
Scripture
MARK 11:1-11 (NIV)
As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and just 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 doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.’ ”
They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, 5some people standing there asked, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go. When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted,
“Hosanna!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!”
“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple courts. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.
Devotion
As Jesus approached Jerusalem, the city buzzed with Passover preparations. Crowds lined the roads, and anticipation filled the air. Can you imagine the excitement? But rather than making a grand entrance, Jesus paused and sent two disciples ahead with an unusual request… "Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt beside her. Untie them and bring them to me." (v. 2-3)
This wasn't because Jesus merely forgot a ride into the city —it was a divine plan. Through this simple act, Jesus fulfilled Zechariah's ancient prophecy of a king coming "gentle and riding on a donkey" (Zechariah 9:9). When the disciples returned with the young colt, Jesus mounted it and continued toward Jerusalem. (v. 4-6)
To give some context, Roman conquerors typically entered cities on powerful war horses, surrounded by displays of military might. The people yearned for such a liberator and expected as much. But what did Jesus do? He chose a humble colt—an animal of peace, not war. As He slowly made His way through the adoring crowds, the contrast couldn't have been more striking.
The crowds spread their cloaks on the road and cut palm branches to wave. They shouted, "Hosanna!" Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" Their expectations soared—surely this was the moment when God's chosen one would overthrow Roman oppression and restore Israel's glory? (v. 7-10)
What the crowd couldn't yet understand was that Jesus came to establish a kingdom not of this world—one that would free His people not just from political strife but from sin and death itself. This upside-down kingdom would operate by entirely different rules than the powers of the day.
Mark tells us that after this triumphant yet gentle entry, Jesus went to the temple, "looked around at everything." Then, quietly departed to Bethany as evening approached. (v. 11) Jesus *knew* that within days, these same streets would witness His painful journey to His crucifixion. He knew that some who shouted "Hosanna!" would soon cry "Crucify Him!" He knew that the palm branches of victory would give way to a cross of shame. Yet, He pressed forward, and still listened to God the Father.
Jesus knew that His kingdom would not be established through political power but through sacrificial love. He knew that the path ahead led not to a throne but to a cross. Unlike the expectations of those who welcomed Him with palm branches, His victory would come through surrender, His crown would be made of thorns.
Palm Sunday invites us to reflect on our own expectations of Jesus. Do we, like the crowd, want Him to be the kind of king who meets our *immediate* desires and political hopes? Or are we willing to embrace a Messiah whose kingdom operates by different rules—where the first are last, enemies are loved, and true victory comes through sacrifice?
As we enter Holy Week, may we recognize Jesus for who He truly is—not just the King we want, but the King we need. A King who has a grander vision than we can ever imagine or hope.
Questions for reflection
Is there an area in your life where you need to shout, “Hosanna, Lord save me?” Take a moment to invite Jesus into that space now. What do you notice Him saying?
Jesus chose humility and sacrifice over worldly power and control. Where in your life are you being called to follow His example? Where is He calling you to be set apart, even when it doesn’t seem fair or just?
Prayer
Jesus, as we remember Your humble entrance into Jerusalem, open our hearts to welcome You as our true King. Forgive us when we try to make You conform to our expectations rather than conforming ourselves to Yours. Help us to walk with You through Holy Week, ready to learn from Your example of service and sacrificial love. May we lay down our pride as the crowds laid down their cloaks, making way for Your presence in every area of our lives. We love you, Lord, amen.
written by Meagan Lupinacci
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Family Devotional
Palm Sunday: Mark 11:1-11
As you read the story ask your children to draw their favorite mode of transportation. After finishing reading the story ask your children to share what they drew and why they picked that.
In the story, what did Jesus choose to ride on? Why do you think that Jesus chose a small animal to ride on instead of a great horse like others did? Share with your kids that Jesus was coming in to show that he was coming in victorious but not through might but he was going to be victorious by being humble and choosing to die.
Take time to worship together to a song. If you have time you can draw palm branches or find similar branches from outside to use while worshipping.