The week we now call Holy Week, started with Palm Sunday. The Gospel writers dedicated much of their writing to this important week. Matthew, Mark and Luke devote one third of their contents to the reporting of this week. John dedicates almost half of his Gospel to the Holy Week. Jerusalem, which had a normal population of about 50,000 at this time, had at least tripled in size because of the influx of pilgrims celebrating the Jewish holiday Passover. The triumphal entry, Palm Sunday, marks the beginning of the historic week.

Jesus is welcomed into Jerusalem by his followers. Although many of these people turned away from him at the cross, we can learn how to welcome Jesus from this story. I'm citing Luke 19:28-44, where I find 4 ways to welcome the King!

We can welcome Jesus through obedience. Jesus said, "Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you why you are untying it, tell him, the Lord needs it" (verses 30-31). This is a strange instruction, isn't it? But the disciples obeyed the Lord. Peter learned to obey the Lord one day by the sea of Galilee. After fishing all night without a catch, Jesus instructed Peter to go out to deep water and cast his nets again. Peter answered the Lord, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets" (Luke 5:5). Obedience can be summed up by Peter's words, "because you say so." Welcoming Jesus is marked by obedience - doing what He says.

We can welcome Jesus through gifts. There were several given to Jesus that day. A colt (v. 32). Coats used as a saddle and thrown on the road (v. 35 -36). Palm branches were laid on the road as well (Matt. 21:8). Palm branches signified a king who was victorious in battle. We give gifts to the Lord as well. Our time, our skills, our resources - all ways to welcome him as King.

We can welcome Jesus through praise. Verses 37-38, "The whole crowd began to joyfully praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord. Peace in heaven and glory in the highest."

Finally, the gift of faith. As Jesus approached Jerusalem and saw the city he wept over it and said, "If you had only known on this day what would bring peace - but now it's hidden from your eyes...you did not recognize the time of God's coming to you" (verses 41-44). Jesus wept because of a lack of faith among the people he loved. They did not recognize God's peace and salvation were coming to them. How do we recognize that? By our faith.

Are we welcoming Jesus through our obedience, gifts, praise and faith? These are expressions worthy of a King.

Parallel passages of the triumphal entry: Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; John 12:12-17

Pastor Tim