Lent: Journey Through the Holy Land – Part 40

After he had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.

When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, saying, “Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it.’ ” So those who were sent departed and found it as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?” They said, “The Lord needs it.” Then they brought it to Jesus; and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road. As he was now approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen, saying,

“Blessed is the king
who comes in the name of the Lord!
Peace in heaven,
and glory in the highest heaven!”

Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, order your disciples to stop.” He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.”

Luke 19: 28-40

The view from the Mount of Olives is incredible. For Jesus to enter the city of Jerusalem from this view, would be an incredible entrance. Add in the waving palms and cloaks thrown onto the road, and it’s a triumphant entrance.

Today, Palm Sunday, starts a solemn week for Christians as we recall Jesus’ final week on earth.

It is very strange celebrating the Lenten season this year. I knew that returning from Israel, the Christian holidays would never be the same. But I could never have anticipated how we have been forced to journey through the Lenten season this year due to COVID-19.

Without blogging each day, I don’t think I would remember that we were near the end of Lent. I’m not sure I would realize that Easter is a week away. Life is so different.

It feels weird to be in a celebratory mood. Celebrating Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem. Crying out “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” and “Hosanna in the highest!”

Our world is in chaos. We’re faced by a pandemic that is spiraling out of our control. There’s shortages, layoffs, isolation and fear. How can we celebrate?

But then I think about the world Jesus entered. It was far from perfect. There was chaos, destruction, hatred, fear.

Today we didn’t gather together to wave palm branches and sing “Hosanna!” as we have traditionally in the past. But I was able to look back to my experience celebrating Palm Sunday in October – on a Friday nonetheless.

Today I am celebrating the entrance of Jesus. Shouting “Hosanna!” in my heart. I am celebrating because Jesus is Lord. He always has been, and he always will be, no matter what is happening.

Today it looks a little different. It feels a little different. But Jesus remains through it all. We aren’t gathered in crowds like they did around Jesus, but we can still come together and celebrate this joyful moment.

I know that our world’s current state is already weighing heavy on our hearts and minds, and going into this Holy Week it’s only going to get heavier and more solemn. But remember, God is so good. And this week ends in the greatest moment in history – the resurrection; because the worst thing is never the last thing.

Lord, our hearts are heavy. This week will not be easy. But today we celebrate You as our Lord. Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest! Lord, be with us this week as we journey through Your final days on earth. Amen.

Abbey Jo