3 Holidays = 1 Message

I have had a lot on my mind this week. Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Resurrection Sunday! Wanted to share some pieces of these true biblical stories, that we celebrate, and how they point to our loving, caring, redeeming Savior.

Palm Sunday: Humility On A Donkey

On Palm Sunday, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey colt. This was to show His humility as a servant King. Riding a horse was a sign of wealth and power. He came humbly.

In Mark 11:1-10, it explains about Jesus entering into Jerusalem.

The excited crowd of people waved palm branches. They also laid palm branches in the path of Jesus, along with garments. This was symbolic for victory, and triumph.

They proclaimed, “Hosanna in the highest”, which means “save now”.

Good Friday & The Crown of Thorns

As Jesus was about to go to the cross, the Roman soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns to push into his head. This crown was another way the soldiers mocked Jesus. He came and proclaimed He was the servant King. They expected the Messiah King to be different.

As I think about the crown of thorns, I see it as a symbol for what is to come. Jesus would rise again, and eventually, will come again. This will happen after the tribulation, in the end of times. In Revelation 19:11-18, it says that Jesus and His armies will come on white horses, to judge and make war on the wicked world. It also says that Jesus will have, not just one crown, but many crowns on His head. Those crowns symbolize His almighty and everlasting power, and His reign as the everlasting King.

So though the crown of thorns meant to mock Jesus, the whole story is, He is crowned King from beginning and forevermore.

We are not sure what plant the soldiers used to make the crown. However, it is very likely it could have been from a tree called Christ’s Thorn Jujube. This tree grows in Israel and has large thorns. Although not very tasty, it is eaten by some, and is used for important medicinal purposes.

As I think about it, God created this beautiful tree for us to enjoy. Yet, the thorns on this tree, are a result of sin at the beginning in the Garden of Eden. As sinners, man used the thorns of this tree, to mock Jesus Creator and Savior. This is very sad. Even though you and I were not there that day, we are sinners. What has God given us, or created for us, that we have used wrongly and sinned against Him? We all have sinned, and yet this loving Creator and Savior came to save. Jesus’ death and blood poured out on the cross paid the penalty for sin. All who repent, and turn away from sin, and receive forgiveness, will be saved.

Easter – Resurrection Sunday

Resurrection Sunday is about the day that Jesus rose from the tomb, proving once again, He is God! Jesus is alive! Many call this day “Easter”, with celebrating Spring, and new life. Jesus came to give people new life. That is why as Christians we call it Resurrection Sunday. Jesus is alive! We are alive now and forever with Jesus!

Jesus is God. Jesus Saves!

All creation, the miracles He performed, His sacrificial death on the cross, and Resurrection are all evidence that we have a loving, caring, powerful, and righteous God who in the end of time, will come back for those who believe in Him!

“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.  And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God,

who is to come into the world.”

John 11:26-27

“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed”.

Isaiah 53:5

And He said to them all, “if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me”.

Luke 9:23

This is maximus adventures, over and out!