“When the time came, [Jesus] set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. [Jesus] didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death, and the worst kind of death at that - a crucifixion.” Phil 2:5-8
I woke today thinking of Palm Sunday and the events this day marks. Some have said this day symbolizes the “beginning of the end” for Jesus as He set His face to Jerusalem and entered it’s gates on the back of a donkey while the crowds surrounding Him shouted “Hosanna,” Aramaic for Lord, save us!
Those compiling the Bible titled the story of Jesus entering Jerusalem “The Triumphal Entry” but surely the crowds feelings of triumph were short lived. Even as they cheered and waved branches and laid cloaks on the path ahead of His humble procession, Jesus knew the accusations were coming. He anticipated the violence and the tortuous death that was imminent. Jesus had always been anticipating that day.
Thousands of years ago the day was marked by sacrifice and the greatest gift of love only God could give, as Jesus remembered us with eyes mercifully fixed on Calvary.
No, this day was not one that marked “the beginning of the end” for Jesus. His life story has no end and because of His great love for us, neither do ours.