Today, Sunday, Palm Sunday, begins Passion Week, the week leading up to Easter, recognizing the memorable events of Jesus‘ last days of earthly life. Palm Sunday is the day Jesus arrived in Jerusalem as a king. His arrival on a donkey seemed triumphant, the people were calling to Him, following Him, laying clothing and branches on the road paving His way into Jerusalem. They were excited as the prophet Zechariah’s promise had came true. Calling out “Hosanna” , “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” Hosanna means save or save us. They truly thought that Jesus would save them from the Romans. The fanfare quickly changed, and the events following that triumphant day would lead to Jesus‘ journey to the cross.
Prior to becoming a Christian, I didn’t know about these events, much less understand, the significance of this week. Even after accepting Jesus as my Savior, there were many years that I never gave much thought to this week. Presently, that is different, I am spending a little time each day this week to read and meditate on the events leading to the crucifixion and finally the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
I love that this week is named Passion Week, for the passion that Jesus had for us, while he willingly went to the cross to save us. Today, I thought about the word “passion”. When I looked it up in the dictionary, there were several definitions, all of which had to do with strong feelings, desire, fondness, love, or emotions. I think this is a great word. I know that Jesus must have loved us deeply to go through all the horrible beatings and torture just to save you and I from our sin. Appreciating Jesus‘ passion for ME has helped me to have a deeper passion for Him.
Passion Week is described in Matthew chapters 21-27; Mark chapters 11-15; Luke chapters 19-23; and John chapters 12-19.