In the narrative of Palm Sunday, the crowds surround Jesus as he enters Jerusalem. There’s so much enthusiasm for a new kind of king. Could it be that their liberator is finally here? The crowd shouts, “Hosanna! Hosanna!” It’s a cry for salvation from Psalm 118. It’s a cry to be saved. 

The Palm Sunday celebration is an ancient tradition. Just a few centuries after Jesus’ death and resurrection, pilgrims made their way to Jerusalem to rehearse Jesus’ entry into the city. The Palm procession meant a lot to these ancient worshippers of Jesus. Thousands of years later, we enact the story of Jesus’ provocative entrance into the city all over again. 

We wave palm branches, we welcome the children to lead us, we cry out from our own lives, “Save us! Never stop saving us.” May Palm Sunday welcome you into the holiest of weeks. May you not fear your suffering, but sense God’s desire to confront and transform your pain.