“If they keep quiet, the stones will cry out,” (Luke 19:40). That’s how special the first Palm Sunday was. As Jesus entered Jerusalem for the Passover Feast – and for his suffering and death – he was greeted by crowds of people shouting their praises to God, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Luke 19:38). The jealous Pharisees told Jesus to tell the people to stop. He wasn’t really worth all the fuss, was he? Weren’t the people going a little overboard? Shouldn’t they tone down their faith in this man? Jesus didn’t think so! He said, “No way!” “If they keep quiet, the stones will cry out!” He was about to do something worthy of tremendous praise. If people didn’t recognize or appreciate Jesus, nature itself would! I know you’re busy. I know there’s always tons of things going on. But I hope you’re able to stop – often! – during this Holy Week and praise God for his grace to us. On Palm Sunday, Jesus entered Jerusalem for you. He let himself be arrested and tried and accused and beaten for you. He died for you. He rose from the dead for you. So you are forgiven. So you are saved. Not because you deserve it. Because Jesus loves you that much! I think you need more love in your life. Jesus thinks you need more love in your life – his love that he wants to show you in the greatest possible way this Holy Week. If you get that, if you really see Jesus’ love for you, how can you not cry out, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” Our world doesn’t slow down one bit for Holy Week anymore. But how can we not? How can we not reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice for us? How can we not shout out our praises to our Savior? If we don’t, the stones will. Somebody’s got to!
May your next eight days be filled with peace and joy and Jesus. God bless you!
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