Lent Devotional | Palm Sunday

His Expression – Jesus’ Face Set Towards the Cross

“Hosana to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” (Matthew 21:9)

I regularly hear my kids blurt out, “time to lock in.” “Locked in” is popular slang to emphasize the need to focus. For them, it means working out or finally doing some homework. In some way, this is exactly where we have arrived in our Lenten journey with Jesus. As He approaches Jerusalem, Jesus is “locked in” on His final act of obedience. The importance of this moment is captured by every one of the gospels. Matthew tells us that as Jesus approaches Jerusalem there are many things to distract.

A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!”—Matthew 21:8-9a

Crowds, cloaks and waving branches amid shouts of celebration.

Can you imagine how distracted you would be? Maybe, Palm Sunday provides time to consider, ‘What distracts you from keeping God at the center of your life?’ Is there a decision you have been delaying that needs your focused attention?

Surprisingly, only if we “lock in” can we see past the distractions and notice what Palm Sunday is about. As Jesus enters Jerusalem, the crowds do not understand that one greater than David is among them. Jesus, this new King, is ushering in a Kingdom that will never end and those who embrace His message are offered a place at the table.

May you become more aware of the distractions that may cause you to miss the look on Jesus’ face as He enters Jerusalem. It is the face of the one “locked in” on His final act of obedience.

Pastor Domenic Ruso

Founding/Lead Pastor the180
Laval, QC

Prayer

Lord, our hearts say to you, “Seek His face.” Your face, Lord, we will seek. Draw us closer to you and help us set aside the distractions that keep us from following you faithfully. Amen.

Reflection

This Palm Sunday, consider how you might slow down and surrender the distractions—both good and bad—that keep you from seeing what Jesus has done for you. Prioritize time to worship in church where the power and promise of the Cross and resurrection are expressed with joy.