WHAT DOES PALM
SUNDAY HAVE TO DO WITH ME?
Eleventh of
fourteen devotions in Gethsemane series
Philippians
2:3-13
Philippians
2:3-5: “Do nothing out of selfish
ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than
yourselves. Each of you should look not
only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of
Christ Jesus.” (See lesson linked
below).
Answering the Title question: I’m
taught to follow Jesus to the cross by…dying to self and becoming alive in
Christ. I’m taught to redeem people in
the world through loving service.
This Gethsemane Lenten trip is
challenging. Let’s pretend that we’re Jesus’
disciple back in A.D. 33. Walking
towards Jerusalem, Jesus says, “As you know, the
Passover is two days away. But do you
know that the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified?” (Matthew 26:2).
“That’s
not funny, Jesus. Stop playing, Man!”
“Let’s pop
in to visit Simon for a bit.”
“Okay.”
“Jesus! I’m so glad that you stopped! Please come inside and I’ll prepare dinner
for you all.” Simon said.
“Thanks,
Simon. We’re famished after walking all
this way!”
“Jesus!” Simon’s sister screeched. “Hang on!”
She disappeared and quickly returned.
Cracking open a jar, she poured the contents over Jesus’ head. The scent filled the whole house. Jesus lay his head back and closed His eyes.
“Well, that is great, Miss. But why waste your perfume?” I asked. “It could fetch a lot of money…money that could
help the poor!”
Jesus sat up straight. Looking into my eyes, He said, “Did you forget that I’m going to be crucified soon? This
lovely lady is sacrificing her expensive perfume, preparing My body for burial. Stop criticizing her. Poor people are all around, but you won’t
have Me around much longer. Besides, she
will be exalted in preaching the gospel around the world!” Jesus smiled and winked at her. (Matthew 26:5-13).
She
giggled, blushing.
Leaving Simon’s house, Jesus said, “Go to the village ahead.
Untie the first donkey you see, and bring Me her and her colt. Tell her owner that ‘The Lord needs them.’ He shouldn’t have a problem.”
“Okay.”
Entering Jerusalem was hectic. Jesus sat on my coat spread over the colt’s
back as we pressed into the crowd. Suddenly we were recognized. The crowd went crazy! Palm branches lined the path. A chant broke out, “Hosanna to the Son of
David! Blessed is He who comes in the
name of the Lord! Hosanna in the
highest!” (Matthew 21:1-10).
Take Home Nugget
I was embarrassed being
treated like a rock star. Remembering
Jesus’ command to love and serve, I understood that He wants people to be
saved.
Gethsemane can be fun, Lord. Thanks
for the trip!
Adapted from “Our Humble King.” Fil Anderson.
March 28-29, 2015. In Touch magazine.
Georgia, USA.
J.D. Griffith
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