From Hosanna to Crucify Him

Palm Sunday begins the most momentous week in human history, when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey during Passover week in 33 AD. Fresh from raising Lazarus from the dead, Jesus entered the crowded city not as a conquering military leader but as the Prince of Peace, fulfilling Zechariah's prophecy about the humble king. The enthusiastic crowds laid cloaks and palm branches before him, shouting Hosanna, which means save us.

Jesus' choice of a donkey was deeply symbolic, representing peace rather than war. His disciples' simple obedience in securing the animal demonstrated his supernatural authority. The question arises: what would you lay at Jesus' feet? People bring different things - their praises and worship, recognizing him as Lord and Savior; their questions and doubts about faith; their pain and suffering, knowing Jesus understands because he experienced human suffering; or their rejection and abandonment, since Jesus was despised and rejected by men.

The dramatic reversal from Sunday's triumph to Friday's tragedy reminds us that the same crowds shouting Hosanna would cry Crucify him just days later. Human praise is fickle, but God's plan is unchanging. Though Friday brought darkness and seeming defeat, another Sunday was coming - Easter Sunday with the resurrection that would make the world right again for the first time since Adam and Eve's disobedience.