Palm Sunday

At Heritage, we talk a lot about discovering and deepening our faith in Jesus, and Palm Sunday gives us the perfect opportunity to do both. It’s a day we often celebrate with joy, palm branches, and a sense of anticipation. But if we’re not careful, we can miss what it’s really about. Just like the people in Jerusalem, we may end up worshiping a version of Jesus we want, not the King He actually is.

The crowd on that first Palm Sunday was shouting “Hosanna!”, which means “save us”, but they weren’t thinking about spiritual salvation. They were expecting a military hero, someone who would overthrow Rome and make their lives easier. They were looking for comfort, control, and change that served their expectations. And while they waved palm branches (a symbol of national victory), Jesus was riding into town on a donkey, on His way to a cross, not a throne. It was never about power the way they thought. It was about surrender, sacrifice, and a kingdom that turns the world upside down.

Even His choice of transportation had meaning. Jesus didn’t stumble into Jerusalem. He entered with purpose. That unridden colt had been set aside for a holy task, and Jesus knew exactly what prophecy He was fulfilling. It wasn’t about flash or attention; it was about showing the kind of King He really is, one who serves, saves, and lays down His life.

And the very next day, Jesus went to the Temple, not to admire the beauty or participate quietly, but to flip tables. He boldly defended His Father’s house because people were being taken advantage of in a place meant for prayer. It was a moment of holy disruption, reminding us that Jesus doesn’t avoid messes. He steps right into them to bring truth and restoration.

The truth is, we still struggle with the same tension today. We want Jesus to fix our situations, remove our burdens, and smooth out the road ahead. We’re tempted to praise Him when things go our way, but question Him when they don’t. But following Jesus isn’t about getting what we want. It’s about becoming who He’s called us to be.

So, here’s the challenge I’m giving myself this week, and I invite you to join me: Let’s reflect not on what Jesus can do for us, but on who He is. Let’s follow Him for His purpose, not our preference. Take a few minutes each day to remember the road He walked, from the cheering crowd to the crushing cross. He didn’t just show up to fix our lives temporarily. He came to give us eternal life, real peace, and lasting hope.

Jesus is King. Not just of Sunday mornings or special holidays but of everything. And at Heritage, that’s the kind of faith we’re after. A faith that sees Jesus clearly, worships Him fully, and welcomes Him not just as a Savior who helps us, but as a Lord who leads us.

Let’s not miss the King right in front of us.

Devotional