Promise for Today - A Donkey’s Tale: The Gospel of Palm Sunday

written by Dr. Michael A. Milton

As we reflect on Palm Sunday, we are reminded of the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. The Scripture that refers to the Lord telling His disciples to get the donkey is found in Matthew 21:1-3:
"As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, 'Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.'"

Let’s hear about Palm Sunday from one who was there.
All the children waved palms and sang Hosanna. I could never forget! It was the high mark of my life. I know: I have heard the jokes that you've made. It is interesting that you never use the King James version except when you're talking about Baalom’s donkey (Numbers 22:28). Our kind knows all about the jokes. But it was no joke on that Sunday. Now, I can't talk like Balaam’s creature, but I have something more. I have a donkey's tale.

There are several things about that day that stand out to me. Every so often, I feel like I just want to rear back on my hind legs and bray at the beauty of those moments with the One called Immanuel. What do I remember? Well, they were at least three special moments that come to mind, and these memories may have something to say to you.

Firstly, Jesus chose me. I remember that the Galilean chose me to fulfill Scripture. I did not belong to the Galilean, but I belonged to a man from Jerusalem. But on that day, the Galilean sent his disciples and told my master that “the Lord hath need” of me. Do you know what that means? Do you know how it feels to be the bad end of a joke all the time? I don't have to do anything, and yet people immediately see me as stubborn and mean. Not Jesus. He did not choose me out of pity. He did not select me to be his supporter because of any other reason than this: in the secret councils of Almighty God, he set his love on me. If only I could have talked! Do you know how it feels when God chooses you despite your reputation? Yet, Jesus chose me.

Jesus used me. By saying that Jesus "used me," I don't mean that he took advantage of me. To the contrary! He gave me a part in the greatest story ever told. What do you think about that? Do you still want to call me stupid and mean and stubborn? I may be all of those things, but for one brief shining moment, I carried the King of kings and Lord of lords on my back. And I can never get over how God uses a simple little creature like me to bring about so great a salvation.

Others overlooked me. In the midst of all the hosannas and all the waving palms and palm branches thrown at my feet, I knew the cheering was not for me. I knew the palm branches did not form a veritable "red carpet" for the Prince of donkeys. No. I knew they were welcoming Jesus as the promised Messiah. But just as they overlooked me and my important part — the role that changed our species — in that great Palm Sunday story, many overlooked the Scriptures. For that glorious King who rode on my back was not a political figure. He was not riding into Jerusalem to overthrow Rome. He was riding into Jerusalem to go to the cross. And I can never forget that. The Scriptures declare that we creatures know more about God than some of you. Job 12:7-10 says: "But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you, or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?"

So many misunderstood. But I knew why he chose me. I knew why he used me on that glorious day. And I could see what many overlooked. The King of kings and the Lord of lords came into Jerusalem as the Prince of peace. He was on his way to die for the sins of the world, to give his life as a substitutionary atonement for sin. He lived the perfect life so that whoever believes in him is covered in the righteousness of Jesus. And what did he get? He got our sins. He took our pain. But he gave us his life.

I'm just one of God's creatures. But on that special day, that Palm Sunday, my life and, indeed, my kind were changed forever.

Intersecting Faith and Life:
Though I have made a donkey of myself numerous times in my life, I am now stepping away from the voice of that little creature on Palm Sunday. I want to say to you clearly: this little parable, based on true events is told to you that you may know God has placed his love on you despite your sin, your past, or even what other people might think of you. Secondly, like the little donkey, God has use for you. God calls us to use us for his kingdom's work. And finally, I want you to see that Palm Sunday is not only the beginning of the Holy Week, but if you repent and trust in Jesus Christ as the resurrected Lord of lords and King of kings in your life, it will be Easter morning forevermore.

In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

So, I encourage you, my human friends, to consider how God may be calling you and using you for his kingdom's work. Despite your past, your sin, or what others may think of you, God has placed his love on you and has a purpose for your life. And as we enter Holy Week, remember that Palm Sunday was just the beginning of the greatest story ever told.

From Now Until Easter - Lamb Selection Day

From Ash Wednesday until Easter, I will post from Lent and Easter devotionals offered online. Today's post features excerpts written by Lori Wilkerson Stewart (M.A. in Journalism, Regent University) -  author of Promises for Prodigals.

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The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" 

John 1:29 NIV

...As Christians, we’re all familiar with Palm Sunday, but did you know that in the time of Jesus, the Sunday before Passover was “lamb selection day?” In other words, it was the day that Jewish families would come to the temple in Jerusalem and choose their “perfect lamb” for the Passover. Then, the family would bring the lamb home to live with them, knowing that within a few days, their new pet would be slaughtered for the Passover meal (Exodus 12:3,5,6).

So, when Jesus entered Jerusalem on lamb selection day, it was as if He was presenting Himself to the people and asking them, “Will you choose me?” And Jesus wasn’t just riding through the streets for attention, He had a destination. As the Lamb of God, could it be that Jesus was headed to the temple to present Himself before His Father and to be approved for sacrifice (Leviticus 1:3)?

As Jesus approached the city, His disciples “began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen” (Luke 19:37). However, when the crowds joined in, the atmosphere changed and became more like a political rally. The people shouted, “Hosanna” and waved palm branches. In Death and Resurrection of the Messiah, author and minister Ray Vander Laan writes:

Hosanna meant “Please save us! Give us freedom! We’re sick of these Romans!” They waved palm branches, a symbol that once had been placed on Jewish coins when the nation was free. The branches did not symbolize peace and love, as Christians usually assume; they symbolized Jewish nationalism, an expression of the people’s desire for political freedom.”

And for the second time in Scripture, Jesus wept (Luke 19:41). The Lamb of God was there, the only One worthy to be slain for the sins of all mankind, yet the people only wanted a political deliverer.

What will your response be on Lamb Selection Day? Will you choose Jesus as your perfect Lamb? Will you believe in the power of the Lamb’s blood, which is able to take away your sins and make you truly free?
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Prayer:

Father,

           We choose Jesus as our sinless, spotless Lamb and receive His death on the Cross as redemption from all our sin. Help us to never lose sight of Your everlasting goodness and grace toward us. Keep our hearts ever grateful, Father. Thank You for everything. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

The Palm Parade - written by Ruth Boven

They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the King of Israel!”
— John 12:13 NIV

Recently, I learned that the palm branches in Jesus’ day had patriotic meaning. Rebels rising against Rome would mint coins stamped with palm branches on them. So, as Jesus entered Jerusalem to the waving of palms, the scene spoke of the Jewish people’s national hopes that were pinned on Jesus.

Jesus chose to make his entry on a donkey, a humble symbol of both kingship and peace. But Jesus’ message wasn’t that he was the political king the people expected. His message was for the entire world. Jesus came not to save one nation but to offer salvation to all people. “He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near” (Ephesians 2:17).

It isn’t by way of weapons or war horses that Jesus saves. Instead, on Palm Sunday, Jesus ushered in the humble message that he would lay down his life so that all people might claim him as Lord and King. Hosanna in the highest!

PRAYER: Blessed are you, my Lord and King, for you came to bring peace and salvation to all people. Equip me to join you in that great calling. In your name I pray. Amen.

The Palms

See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;
Isaiah 49:16a NIV

I know tomorrow is Palm Sunday and this verse doesn't have anything to do with that triumphal entry, but this is one of my favorite Scriptures because I can relate to it so well. Most of us have had a paper cut at one point or another in our lives. For such a little thing, it is really irritating! It's crazy. It's just a little paper cut, but we are constantly aware of it. And especially so every time we move our hand. It is not something we would ever do intentionally. And yet, that's exactly what God did.

God ENGRAVED His people on the palm of His hands. 

Intentionally.  

He is EVER mindful of us... by His own choice!

Prayer:

Father,
         In everything, even in the little things, keep us ever mindful of Your love, Your care and Your provision for us. Give us grateful hearts to recognize and acknowledge You in all things, at all times, through every circumstance. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

* Appearances - It Happened on the Monday

But what do you think about this? A man with two sons told the older boy, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ The son answered, ‘No, I won’t go,’ but later he changed his mind and went anyway. 

  Then the father told the other son, ‘You go,’ and he said,  ‘Yes, sir, I will.’ But he didn’t go.

  “Which of the two obeyed his father?” They replied, “The first.”

Then Jesus explained his meaning: “I tell you the truth, corrupt tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the Kingdom of God before you do.   Matthew 21:28-31 NLT

This was Jesus' teaching on the day following His triumphant entry into Jerusalem - what we refer to as Palm Sunday. If we'd heard this exchange between the father and the first son, many of us would have offered our opinion about parenting such disobedience, and how to fix it Texas style - quick, fast and in a hurry.

This is one more illustrated sermon of God looking at the heart of a person rather than what is seen on the outside. I believe He was trying to drive home the point to His disciples before the nails were driven home. 

It's not so much what we do when people are watching. If we'd taken this parable at face value with one son saying no way and the other agreeing to go, we'd have gotten it all wrong. 

Do we do the same thing?  Do our hearts convict us? Do we hear AND obey? Do we reason ourselves into obedience or into rebellion? 

It's Monday following Palm Sunday - how does your Monday appear to have gone?

Prayer:

Father,

          Let our hearts and minds be renewed in You so that they ALWAYS override our poor choices - especially those made for appearances' sake. Help us, O God! In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.

* Palm Sunday

Yet it was our weaknesses he carried;
it was our sorrows that weighed him down.
And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God,
a punishment for his own sins!
But he was pierced for our rebellion,
crushed for our sins.
He was beaten so we could be whole.
He was whipped so we could be healed.
All of us, like sheep, have strayed away.
We have left God’s paths to follow our own.
Yet the Lord laid on him
the sins of us all.
Isaiah 53:4-6 (New Living Translation)

It is the beginning of what is commonly known as Holy Week; yet there is nothing common about it. Do you know the story? Do you ken what Christ for God did for us?

Prayer:

Father,

How can we ever thank You enough? The answer is simple... we can not. We want to go where You want us to go, Lord. We want to do what You would have us do. We want to fulfill Your expectation of us; the plan You have for each of our lives. Help us, O God, our Lord and Redeemer. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen