April 13, 2025
“ On the next day, the large crowd who had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took the branches of the palm trees and went out to meet Him, and began to shout, ‘Hosanna! BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE Lord, even the King of Israel.” John 12:12-13 (NASB)
“Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 (NLT)
Have you ever read stories of events that happened in biblical history and during the life of Jesus and said to yourself “I wonder what it would have been like to be there to experience many of the events. There are many Bible stories that while I was reading them, I would say to myself, “it would an awesome experience to be there. For example, experiencing the Parting of the Red Sea in Exodus chapter 14. Just imagine standing on the shore, hearing the roar of the sea split, watching walls of water rise as dry ground appears – God’s power was on full display as He delivers His people, reminding me that same God will fight for me. I just need to be still and trust HIM!”
How about the Birth of Jesus in Luke chapter 2? Being a nurse, I would have liked to experience the birth of our Savior, and it would have been awesome to be one of the shepherds on that silent night, witnessing heaven break open in song, and then kneeling before the newborn King in a manger- humble and holy. Another powerful story is Peter walking on Water in Matthew 14:22-33. A powerful picture of trust and grace. It would be awesome to watch Peter take a literal step of faith and to see Jesus rescue him when he began to sink.
Another favorite story is in Mark 5:25–34, the Woman with the Issue of Blood. Seeing someone who had suffered for years be healed by touching Jesus’s garment. I love this story and use it in my course, indicating how God did not just heal her physically; Jesus healed her holistically: physically, emotionally, relationally, financially, and spiritually. This demonstrated her faith, His power, and the tender way He calls her “daughter.” This example is what I refer to when I speak about the connection of the mind, body, and spirit, and how God wants to heal us in the manner in which He designed us, as demonstrated so vividly in this story.
I would like to have a masterclass with the Apostle Paul after his Damascus Road Encounter in Acts chapter 9. I would like to hear about his awesome and radical transformation from being a persecutor into a preacher. A light from heaven, a voice from Jesus, and a calling that changed the world!
Finally, the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus are described in chapters John 19–20. How awesome it would be to witness Jesus’ love being poured out on the cross and then to be at the empty tomb, hearing the angel say, “He is not here; He has risen!”
I love the Word of God, the Bible, which is a reliable collection of historical documents written by eyewitnesses during the lifetime of other eyewitnesses. God’s inspired Word was penned and the supernatural events that took place in fulfillment of specific prophecies validating their claim that the Bible is divine rather than human in origin.”
However, if I had to choose a favorite Bible story among my many favorites, it would be the account of Palm Sunday which marks the beginning of Holy Week in the Christian tradition and commemorates the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, an event described in all four Gospels in Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-44, and John 12:12-19.
Palm Sunday is the day we celebrate the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, one week before His resurrection in Matthew 21:1–11. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week. As Jesus entered the holy city, He neared the culmination of a long journey toward Golgotha. He had come to save the lost, in Luke 19:10, and now was the time, this was the place to secure our salvation. The history of Palm Sunday is significant both in the context of biblical events and its ongoing spiritual and liturgical importance. It’s called “Palm Sunday” because the crowds welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem by laying down palm branches and cloaks in His path – an ancient symbol of victory and honor.
The Final Days of Jesus: The Most Important Week of the Most Important Person Who Ever Lived!
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of what is called “Passion Week,” the final seven days of Jesus’ earthly ministry. It was not just a historical moment but a prophetic fulfillment and a powerful invitation for us to receive the peace only Christ can offer.
Palm Sunday began as Jesus and His disciples traveled to the Mount of Olives. He sent two of them ahead into the nearby village of Bethphage with a simple instruction: to find an unbroken donkey and its colt. In Luke 19:30–34, the disciples found everything just as He said. When questioned by the animal’s owners, they replied as Jesus instructed: “The Lord needs it.” That was enough. No further explanation was required. The donkey was released for this divine
purpose.
“They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt, and put Jesus on it,” as noted in Luke 19:35. That simple act was the beginning of something far greater, a divine entrance marked not by fanfare but by humility and fulfillment of prophecy. Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey, a symbol of peace and humility, not the warhorse of an earthly king. This act fulfilled Zechariah 9:9: “See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey.” The crowds were gathered for the Passover Festival, and many recognized the significance. They laid down their cloaks and waved palm branches, shouting:“ Hosanna, blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” John 12:13. Hosanna is a cry for deliverance, meaning “save now.” Palm Sunday: The Path of True Victory!
Welcome to the King of Peace
For me, He is the King who provides true peace. There was a time when I was in deep emotional pain, and I cried out to the King of Peace. In that moment, He gave me His
peace, the kind the world cannot understand. Have you ever found yourself in distress, crying out to God with a heart that needed His peace more than answers? I remember such a time in my own life. I was carrying the heavy grief of losing someone I dearly loved. From a place of brokenness, I cried out, and God met me instantly with His peace. Praise God! It wasn’t the kind of peace the world offers – it was the kind that settles your soul, even when your circumstances stay the same.
HIS Peace is a Gift from God: Peace is a divine gift, a gift that transcends circumstances that comes from God, not based on circumstances or the world’s definition of peace. It’s a peace that surpasses understanding and is offered freely to those who trust in Him. John 14:27 says, “Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” Reflecting on the peace Jesus gives, which is unshakeable and eternal, contrasting it with worldly peace that is often fleeting and temporary. God’s peace provides comfort when the world offers no answers.
HIS Peace that Passes Understanding: God’s peace goes beyond human comprehension. It surpasses all understanding and brings a sense of security and assurance that defies logic. Even when it seems impossible to feel peace, God’s presence fills the heart with rest and calm. When we experience God’s peace, it’s not because everything around us is calm but because He holds us in His presence and guards our hearts, even in the midst of chaos. Philippians 4:7 says, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” God’s peace can calm anxiety and confusion in our hearts, even when we don’t have all the answers or solutions to our problems.
HIS Peace as a Source of Strength and Comfort: Peace is not just a momentary relief but a lasting state that strengthens and comforts us. When we trust in God, we can experience peace that holds us steady through life’s challenges. Isaiah 26:3 reminds us, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” We are to encourage others to place their trust in God to receive His perfect peace, which sustains them in moments of weakness or uncertainty.
HIS Peace that Reconciles and Restores Relationships: Jesus is the ultimate peacemaker. Through His sacrifice, He brings reconciliation between God and humanity, as well as between people. His peace has the power to heal divisions, restore relationships, and unite us in love. Ephesians 2:14: “For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.” We are to reflect on how experiencing peace in Christ can help heal broken relationships and bring restoration where there has been conflict or hurt.
HIS Peace that Leads to True Victory: True victory is not found in overcoming every circumstance but in allowing Christ’s peace to rule our hearts. This peace guards us against fear, anger, and bitterness and empowers us to walk in victory, even in the face of trials. Colossians 3:15 says, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” God’s peace enables Believers in Christ to experience victory over the challenges they face. It is a powerful force that can guide our lives, offering victory over fear, anger, and anxiety, knowing that ultimate victory is found in Christ. Through Christ’s peace, we can experience victory even in the darkest moments.
HIS Peace Overcomes the World: Jesus assures us that even though we face troubles in this world, His peace is greater than any difficulty we may encounter. We are reminded that Christ has already overcome the world, and in Him, we can find peace that endures. John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Encourage your audience to find peace in Christ, especially during the trials of life, knowing that He has already won the ultimate victory.
HIS Peace is available in the Midst of Emotional and Spiritual Pain. Jesus offers peace to those who are burdened and heavy-laden. He invites us to come to Him in times of emotional and spiritual pain, where He promises to give us rest and peace in exchange for our burdens. Matthew 11:28-30 notes, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” The peace of Christ can be experienced in the deepest emotional and spiritual struggles, offering rest and relief that the world cannot provide.
The power of God’s peace is transformative; it brings healing, reconciliation, strength, and hope. This peace is not dependent on our circumstances but is a constant presence available to all who seek it in Christ. As you reflect on Palm Sunday and the King of Peace, remember that Jesus offers this peace to you today, not just as a fleeting moment but as a lasting and life-changing reality.
YOUR HEART 
CHALLENGE: “What areas of your life you feel unsettled or chaotic, and how might inviting God’s peace into those areas change your perspective or response? “When you face challenges or uncertainty, what do you rely on for peace, and how can you intentionally lean more on God’s presence and promises to find true peace?“ At the heart of peace is harmony. To be at peace with someone, whether a neighbor, a family member, or God, is to be in a harmonious relationship with them. When we ask Christ to cleanse us of our sin and make us new creations, we are asking for peace, a new harmonious relationship with our Creator
The picture of the coming persecutions and natural disasters is gloomy, but ultimately it is cause not for worry, but for great joy. When we as Believers in Christ see these events happening, we can know that the return of their Messiah is near, and we can look forward to His reign of justice and peace. Rather than being terrified by what is happening in our world, we should confidently await Christ’s return to bring justice and restoration to his people. Christians are reminded that the path to resurrection and victory over sin is through suffering, and Palm Sunday serves as the first step on this journey.
Welcome the King of Peace Into Your Life!
A PEACEFUL HEART: Peace with God is possible only because Jesus paid the price for our sins through his death on the cross. This peace is much more than the mere absence of conflict. It suggests completeness, health, justice, prosperity, and protection. The world cannot provide this peace. Real peace comes from faith in God because He alone embodies all the characteristics of peace. To find peace of mind and peace with others, you must find peace with God.
PRAYER: Father God, thank You for Your authoritative, inerrant, and inspired Word that gives us clear instructions on how we have the peace of God. Lord Jesus, King of Peace, we welcome You into our hearts today, just as the crowds welcomed You into Jerusalem. Help us to lay down our burdens, our pride, and our fears, like cloaks on the road, so You may enter every area of our lives physically, emotionally, relationally, financially, and spiritually. Teach us the power of humility, the strength in surrender, and the victory that comes through peace. May we walk with You through this Holy Week, reflecting on Your love, sacrifice, and resurrection hope in the Precious, Powerful, and Preeminent name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
REFERENCES: Logos Bible Study, WORDsearch, and Life Application Series