Palm Sunday

Devotional by Ellyn Wilkoff
(as written to her grandson)

    A devotional in honor of Palm Sunday, remembering Jesus’ love for Jerusalem (and all people) as he entered the city in preparation for his death and resurrection.

3/30/23

Dear Walden,

     This year you will be old enough to be given a palm branch and shake it in a parade for Jesus.  Our physician Gospel writer, Luke, tells us one tiny fact we should not forget to remember this Palm Sunday.

     Jesus wept over Jerusalem Luke 19: 41 As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it 42 and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. (NIV)  What can we learn from this instance of  Jesus crying?  It is completely unique and different from ours.

     When Jesus cried when his friend Lazarus died (John 11), it was like our crying.  Do you know the song, “You are my sunshine?” verse 2 has a part about crying, it says, “The other night dear as I lay sleeping I dreamed I held you in my arms. When I awoke dear I was mistaken, so I hung my head and cried.”

     When your oldest cousin, Isabelle, was little she told me that I should skip the crying part when I sang her that song.

     Jesus never skipped the crying part.  Not when his heart was breaking for our lack of understanding his coming to make Peace on our behalf.(1)  Not when he felt the full weight as our sin bearer, crying out to his Father Psalm 22 from the cross.

     Only Jesus had the perfect heart’s cry of His Father showing us how to love.  So, Walden shake your palm and be glad to play your part in this year’s Jesus Easter Story.

                           Much Love,

                                 Nana

(1)  Pg.22 Fight Like Jesus: How Jesus Waged Peace throughout Holy Week Jason Porterfield c. 2022 Herald Press