Traditionally, Palm Sunday is celebrated as the day when Yeshua and his disciples made their entrance into the city of Jerusalem. All four Gospels tell this story giving various details and perspectives (Mat. 21:1-10; Mark 11:1-10; Luke 19:28-40; John 12:12-19). As good Jews, this was one of the three times they were required by the Torah to go to the Jerusalem Temple, in this occasion to celebrate the Feast of Pesach (Passover). They were ascending (making aliyah) and, as they approached Bethphage and Bethany before the Mount of Olives, Jesus asked two disciples to find a donkey (colt) so He could ride it into the city. This was in fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9, to show He was coming humbly as a Suffering Servant. They did as He said, and Yeshua sat on the donkey to begin the descent from the top of the Mt. of Olives down into the city gate. There were large crowds in Jerusalem for the Feast and they spread their coats on the road before Him, with palm branches – that’s why Palm Sunday -, and everyone shouting “Hosanna (Lord save us, save now), Baruch Habah B’Shem Adonai! (Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord!)”.

 From the Gospels narratives, we understand that the crowds saw Yeshua as Mashiach Ben David (Messiah Son of David), which represents His kingly character. The crowd with the disciples included, didn’t see at that time that Yeshua had to suffer first for the sins of His people, as Mashiach Ben Yosef (Messiah son of Joseph). It is interesting to note that this day was probably the 10^th of Nisan, when the Passover lamb was to be selected from the flock to be sacrificed on the 14^th of Nissan, on Passover. Jesus, the Perfect Lamb that God the Father had selected before the foundation of the world, was coming into the city to be sacrificed a few days later for the sins of Israel as well as the whole world, you and I included.

 I invite you to make this whole week, beginning today, a time of remembering God’s perfect plan for our redemption through the blood of Messiah Jesus. As we celebrate Passover and partake of the symbols that point to Yeshua, let us shout out loud so that our neighbours can hear “LORD SAVE NOW!! BLESSED IS YESHUA WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD!!” Shout it out in song, spread it through the internet, tell it on all the social media outlets: Jesus is the only Saviour, Messiah, Lamb of God, King of kings, Lord of lords, and God Himself!!

 Have a wonderful day of celebration! Humble yourself before the Messiah and offer Him your worship and praise in song, prayer, and gifts, just like the Jerusalem crowd did two thousand years ago!

Joyful in Messiah,

Jorge Sedaca, Executive Director
Chosen People Ministries (Canada)