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28 After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29 As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, 30 “Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it.’ ” 32 Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. 33 As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?” 34 They replied, “The Lord needs it.” 35 They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. 36 As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road. 37 When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: 38 “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”“Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” 39 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” 40 “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” (Luke 19:28-40 NIV Bible)
I love parades. My first parade I was a child and I got to march in the parade holding my uncle's chihuahua through downtown Kingsville. It was Kingsville's first and only Pet Parade. Yay! Years later as the father of a marching flute player in Mission Junior High's band, and as a band sponsor, I got march in that parade through downtown McAllen. I just reminded myself that years earlier I marched with my daughters dressed as angels in their annual Christmas Las Posadas Parade. We sang and made the different stops only to be told at every one, "There is no room!" I could probably still sing those songs. But today we are presented with the parade of parades; the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem in the fulfillment of prophecy. The crowd that gathered was all in. For the moment. Some were caught up in the moment and ran where others ran and shouted what others shouted. Some knew and were really all in. Some were not, but wanted to listen. And still others believed that this man who was on the donkey would be the military messiah who would singlehandedly drive out the oppressing armies of the Romans and allow Israel to once again be a great nation. It would be the next day, when Jesus overturned the tables of the money-changers, that many would change their minds, or being to change their minds, about what was really coming; thus the "fickle" of these people. Many on Friday would not be shouting instead of Hosannahs or Hallelujahs, "Crucify Him!"
Palm Sunday, as we call this coming Sunday, marks the beginning of Holy Week, a time when we remember Jesus’ final journey to the cross. For many pastors, this is the Super Bowl season in church life. From the starts as we read In Luke 19, Jesus enters Jerusalem riding on a colt—fulfilling prophecy and showing us the kind of King He is: not one of military might or political power, but a King of peace, humility, and divine authority. This reality would anger and discourage those people who were shouting "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!" They did not yet know the enormous event and impact that Sunday's parade would have on the world; but were content to see the government do what it needed to do to such an "criminal."
As Jesus rides into the city, the crowd erupts in praise, laying their cloaks on the road and shouting, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” They recognize something extraordinary, even if they don’t fully understand it. But not everyone is pleased. The Pharisees urge Jesus to quiet the people, and He responds with striking words: “If they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”
Palm Sunday invites us to consider how we welcome Jesus. Do we praise Him only when He meets our expectations, or do we honor Him as Lord even when His ways challenge us? The crowds celebrated, but within days, many would turn away when Jesus didn’t take the throne they imagined.
This humble entry is a reminder that God's kingdom often comes in unexpected ways. It begins with peace, with surrender, with hearts that are willing to recognize Jesus not just as Savior, but as King.
As we enter Holy Week, let us not only wave palm branches of praise but lay down our lives in worship, following Him wherever He leads—even to the cross.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, You are the King who comes in peace, full of mercy and truth. On this Palm Sunday, we praise You and welcome You into our hearts and lives. Teach us to follow You not only in celebration, but also in humility and obedience. As we walk through this Holy Week, help us to stay close to You, to trust You, and to recognize the beauty of Your kingdom. Hosanna in the highest! Amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! OUR CALL TO ACTION: Take a moment today to reflect on how you welcome Jesus into your life. Is He your King in every part of your heart? Write down one area where you need to surrender more fully to His rule, and ask Him to reign there with His peace. Let this Holy Week be a journey of deeper devotion and renewed hope.
I love you and I thank God for you!
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.