Reflection and Awe: Lent's PurposeНамуна

Reflections

They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna! “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the king of Israel!” – John 12:13 NIV

As we journey toward Easter, let’s consider Palm Sunday as we pause to reflect on the freedom we’ve explored this past week—a freedom made possible through Christ’s sacrificial love.

When Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, the crowds shouted, “Hosanna!” celebrating the One who came to save them. They anticipated liberation, yet the freedom Jesus offered went far deeper than they imagined. He came not to establish an earthly kingdom but to secure eternal freedom for us—freedom from sin, death, and the chains of our old nature.

This week, we’ve unpacked what it means to live in this freedom:

• Freedom From Sin: The chains of our sinful nature have been broken. Through Jesus’ sacrifice, we are no longer slaves to sin but are empowered to live in righteousness.
• Freedom From Death: Christ’s victory over the grave means death no longer has the final word. This assurance enables us to live boldly, knowing our eternity is secure.
• Renewing Your Mind: Freedom begins in the mind. By aligning our thoughts with God’s truth, we break free from patterns of fear and sin, allowing transformation to take root in our lives.
• For Freedom We Are Set Free: Freedom isn’t just a gift; it’s a calling. We’re invited to live in the fullness of this freedom, unburdened by sin, fear, or shame, as we trust in the finished work of Jesus.
• Freedom with Purpose: Our freedom has a mission. Just as Jesus commissioned His disciples to go and make disciples, we are called to share His love and truth with the world around us.
• Operating in Freedom: Living free in Christ means walking with confidence, not in ourselves, but in Him. It’s a life marked by gratitude, grace, and surrender—a life that reflects our identity as redeemed sons and daughters of God.

Living Out Freedom This Palm Sunday
As we reflect on Jesus’ journey to the cross, let’s respond to His gift of freedom with action and intentionality:

1. Celebrate His Sacrifice: Take time to thank Jesus for the freedom He purchased with His life. Meditate on what this freedom means for your present and your eternity.
2. Renew Your Mind: Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any thoughts or habits that keep you bound. Replace those with God’s truth through prayer and Scripture.
3. Live on Mission: Consider how you can use your freedom to serve others and share Christ’s love—whether in your home, workplace, or community.

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of the final steps toward the cross, where Jesus’ love was poured out to secure our freedom. As we continue through Lent, let this freedom inspire us to live boldly, gratefully, and purposefully.

Hosanna to the King who sets us free!