Palm Sunday

What do you look for in a leader? Strength, charisma, and power often come to mind. But the most compelling leaders in stories are not those who look the part but those who rise to the occasion despite their shortcomings. Neville Longbottom, Frodo Baggins, and Po the Panda weren’t the strongest or the most expected heroes, yet their courage and perseverance led them to victory.

These stories stir something deep within us because they point to a greater truth—we long for a leader unlike any other, one who leads in an unexpected way. The Israelites in Jesus’ time felt this longing acutely. Under Roman oppression, they yearned for a deliverer, a conquering king like David or Moses, who would lead them to freedom. And then came Jesus.

On Palm Sunday we remember Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, where the crowds waved palm branches, a nationalistic symbol of Jewish triumph, and cried, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” They wanted a warrior king to overthrow Rome. Instead, Jesus came riding on a young donkey—a symbol of peace, not war. He was not the king they wanted, but He was the King they needed.

Jesus' kingdom does not come by force but by surrender. He reigns not with swords and chariots but with humility and sacrifice. His path to victory was not through domination but through the cross.

He is the Peaceful King, calling us to lay down our weapons of pride and control, to trust in His way, and to follow Him in humility. Yet, He is also the Divisive King—His truth demands a response. Some will embrace Him; others will reject Him.

The question remains: Will you follow the King you need, even if He’s not the one you expected?

Prayer: Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest! Lord, you are indeed worthy of all praise. Work in my heart today, so that I might lay down my expectations with the same joy that the people laid palm branches down before your Son.