Today is Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week. All around the world, people will slow down and remember the things that happened during this week two thousand years ago in Jerusalem.

Scripture passage: Mark 11:1-11

I wonder what Jesus’ disciples were thinking about, as they walked up the steep road from Jericho to Jerusalem? I wonder if they were hoping Jesus would act like a king and show God’s power?

I wonder what it was like to be in the crowd, waiting for Jesus to pass by? Would I have wanted to sing? To wave to Jesus? What would I do if he caught my eye and smiled?

I wonder if there was anyone in the crowd who was not happy to see Jesus riding into the city like a king? I wonder if anyone there was afraid of the Roman soldiers and what they might do, if another king came?

I wonder if the people who welcomed Jesus to Jerusalem were excited and curious about what he would do next? I wonder if I can slow down during Holy Week and watch Jesus? I wonder if I can pay attention to what he wants to show me this week?

Also featured: “At Jerusalem’s Gate,” by Nikki Grimes; from At Jerusalem’s Gate: Poems of Easter, by Nikki Grimes (Eerdmans Young Readers).