Lenten Devotional: March 28, 2026

by Betty Sullivan, Lay Leader

Palm Sunday: Jesus Enters Jerusalem

Scripture: Matthew 21:4–5 NIV

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.’ ”

Scripture Reflection

In this passage, Matthew points us back to a prophecy from Book of Zechariah (Zechariah 9:9), showing that Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem was not accidental—it was deeply intentional and divinely appointed. Every detail matters.

Jesus chooses a donkey; an animal associated not with war but with peace. In ancient times, kings rode horses when going to battle but rode donkeys when coming in peace. This reveals the nature of Christ’s mission: He is not entering Jerusalem to overthrow political powers, but to confront something far greater—sin, death, and the brokenness of humanity.

The phrase “gentle and riding on a donkey” highlights the paradox of Jesus’ kingship. He is fully King, yet fully humble. He possesses all authority, yet He does not wield it in force or domination. Instead, His power is expressed through restraint, compassion, and obedience to the Father’s will.

The crowd spreads cloaks and palm branches, symbolic acts of honor and victory. They cry “Hosanna,” meaning “Save us now.” Yet many in that same crowd misunderstand the kind of salvation Jesus brings. They long for immediate deliverance from Roman oppression, while Jesus is bringing eternal deliverance through the cross.

This moment is both triumphant and tragic: triumphant because the King has come, and tragic because He is not fully recognized for who He truly is.

Reflection

Palm Sunday invites us into a deeper self-examination. It’s easy to join the celebration—to praise God when things feel hopeful or when we believe answers are near. But what happens when God’s way doesn’t match our expectations?

The people in Jerusalem had a script in mind: a Messiah who would restore national power, defeat enemies, and establish visible glory. When Jesus didn’t fulfill that script, many became disillusioned.

We can fall into the same pattern.

We may expect:

• Quick solutions instead of slow transformation

• Strength that looks like control instead of surrender

• Victory without sacrifice

• Clarity without trust

But Jesus often comes to us in quieter, humbler ways:

• In waiting rather than immediate answers

• In small acts of faithfulness instead of dramatic change

• In surrender rather than certainty

• In love that requires sacrifice

Palm Sunday challenges us to ask: Do I truly want Jesus, or do I want the version of Jesus that fits my expectations?

It also invites us to consider our consistency. The crowd’s praise was loud on Sunday, but many would not stand with Him by Friday. Faith is not just about moments of enthusiasm—it is about steady devotion, even when the path leads through difficulty.

As we move deeper into Holy Week, we are invited not just to wave palms, but to walk with Christ—to follow Him from celebration into sacrifice, from the city gates to the cross.

Deepened Reflection Questions

• In what areas of my life am I asking God to act according to my plan rather than trusting His?

• Where might Jesus be present in a quiet or unexpected way that I’ve overlooked?

• What would it look like for me to follow Christ faithfully this week, even if it feels uncomfortable or uncertain?

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus,

You are the King who comes in humility and truth.

Forgive me for the times I have tried to reshape You into my own expectations.

Give me eyes to see You clearly,

and a heart willing to follow wherever You lead.

Help me remain faithful—not just in praise,

but in the quiet, costly moments of obedience.

Hosanna—save me, not just in the ways I want,

but in the ways I truly need.

Amen.