Being a Christian is a journey, and this journey is the theme of the Palm Sunday story.
We see a crowd of people gathered, waving palm branches and shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" They are greeting Jesus as he enters Jerusalem, just as the prophets had predicted.
For a moment, let's pause and reflect on that scene. Imagine yourself there, among the crowd, as Jesus rides by on a humble donkey.
What do you see in Jesus' eyes? Is it triumph? Humility? Determination? Or a mix of it all?
As we follow Jesus on his journey, we see him facing challenges and temptations. He is betrayed by one of his own disciples and arrested. He is mocked, beaten, and crucified.
Yet, even in the midst of his suffering, Jesus remains faithful. He prays for his persecutors, and he accepts his death as a sacrifice for our sins. Ultimately, Jesus triumphs over death and rises again, offering hope to all who believe in him.
So what can we learn from this Palm Sunday message?
As we celebrate Palm Sunday, let us reflect on the journey of Jesus and let his message of faith, love, and hope guide us on our own journeys.