Jesus Feels

This is a familiar story to most of us: Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a colt, people laying coats down on the road. It’s usually a feel-good Sunday, too. We get our palm branch, wave it around, say “Hosanna!” during the service.

I wonder how Jesus felt on this day 2000 years ago. Probably a mixture of emotions. People are cheering him, spreading their coats out for him. Had to make Jesus feel good! But this was probably a difficult day for Jesus. This was the beginning of the end for him. He knew what was in store for him in just five short days. He knew that he was going to spend his last days in this city. He knew he was going to die a horrible death in less than a week. It’s hard to imagine what that might be like.

I also wonder if Jesus ever felt like turning around to not make such an entry into Jerusalem. He had to have known that he was provoking the Jewish leaders by making such an entrance. Did he ever think about sneaking into the city? Maybe his death would have been less humiliating or painful?

Today, as we celebrate Palm Sunday with our Hosannas and waving palms, let’s take a moment to think about the feelings of Jesus.

Lord, help us understand your feelings on this day. Amen. — TB