Welcome to Day 34 of Journey to the Cross. Today is “Palm Sunday,” so it only makes sense to look at one of the accounts that gives today its name. This is one of the events that is recounted in all four Gospels. Since we’ve been in John 12 already, let’s continue in that chapter to see John’s description of the events.

The next day, when the large crowd that had come to the festival heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, they took palm branches and went out to meet him. They kept shouting: “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord” – the King of Israel!” Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written: Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion. Look, your King is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt. His disciples did not understand these things at first. However, when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about him and that they had done these things to him.”

John 12:12-16

No matter where you go, there are two types of people. The first group are those who are racing to their destination, maybe with clothing askew and praying that the event or flight will be slightly delayed so they are not too late. The other group of people are tidily arranged, with shoes polished bright as mirrors, and arrive thirty minutes before the scheduled time. Which do you identify with?

How you arrive somewhere says something about your personality. If you are normally early, you are more likely to be organized and deliberate. If you are always late, you may need a new watch, or you probably have children! What about those who arrive right on time? You probably value precision.

Jesus came to Jerusalem at just the right time. He came a few days before Passover, the day the Paschal Lamb was supposed to be presented in the temple. He came at a time when many pilgrims came into Jerusalem. He also came in exactly the right way. Coats paved the street as Jesus rode in on a donkey and palm branches danced above the crowd. Cries of the people echoed in the streets, welcomin him as King. Jesus’s journey reaches a magnificent crescendo. His power and kingship were on grand display.

Yet a few short days later, the crowds would turn on him. He would be put to death, crucified on a cross. And through that, the whole world would see his glory shine even more brightly as Jesus sacrificed himself for the whole world. Because of that, anyone who believes in him will be saved.

Every step Jesus took as he journeyed to the cross was purposeful. Every step brought him closed to his goal of your salvation. Today, think about your top priorities. Ask yourself, “Am I setting aside adequate time for these? Is it really possible for me to have more than one priority?”

As you pray, exalt Jesus as king as the King above all kings, the king of love and peace. Ask God to prepare you as you come into Holy Week with a spirit of humble worship.

Thanks for joining me for day 34. Join me tomorrow as we enter the home stretch of Holy Week.