I have mixed feelings about Palm Sunday. Truly, it was a great event, prophesied by Zechariah in such detail that a friend of mine, whose father was an artist and a devout Jew, painted a giant picture that hangs in my friend’s home. When I look at it, I see Palm Sunday. But my friend explained, “This is Messiah riding into Jerusalem.”

Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. (Zechariah 9.9, NIV)

The reason I have mixed feelings is that some of these same people were clamoring for Jesus’ crucifixion just a few days later.

But for now, let’s enter into Passion Week with joy!

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.” This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:

“Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’ ”

The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” (Matthew 21.1 – 9, NIV)